Petrolatum is

Options

A. Animal wax
B. Petroleum jelly
C. Hard paraffin wax
D. Vegetable wax.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Term "Petrolatum":**
- Petrolatum is a term that refers to a specific substance. It is important to identify what this substance is commonly known as.

2. **Identifying Common Names:**
- Petrolatum is commonly known as "petroleum jelly." This is a key point to remember.

3. **Chemical Composition:**
- Petrolatum is a purified mixture of semi-solid saturated hydrocarbons. This means it consists of various hydrocarbons that are in a semi-solid state.

4. **Source of Petrolatum:**
- The hydrocarbons in petrolatum are derived from petroleum. This indicates that petrolatum is a product of the refining process of crude oil.

5. **Physical Properties:**
- One notable property of petrolatum is that it is highly insoluble in water. This characteristic is significant because it affects how petrolatum is used in various applications.

6. **Applications:**
- Due to its water-insoluble nature, petrolatum is often used in skincare products to provide moisture and prevent dryness. It forms a protective barrier on the skin.

7. **Examples:**
- A well-known brand of petroleum jelly is Vaseline, which is widely recognized and used.

8. **Evaluating Options:**
- Given the options:
- Animal wax: Incorrect, as petrolatum is not derived from animals.
- Petroleum jelly: Correct, as this is another name for petrolatum.
- Hard paraffin wax: Incorrect, as petrolatum is classified as a soft paraffin wax.
- Vegetable wax: Incorrect, since petrolatum is not derived from plants.

9. **Conclusion:**
- The correct answer is that petrolatum is "petroleum jelly."

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