Question

How many carbon atoms are there in the hydrocarbon molecules of diesel ?

• A. 18 to 30
• B. 14 to 30
• C. 18 to 25
• D. 14 to 20

Answer 1

The correct option is D 14 to 20

Petroleum-derived diesel is composed of about 75% saturated hydrocarbons (primarily paraffin including n, iso, and cycloparaffins), and 25% aromatic hydrocarbons (including naphthalenes and alkylbenzenes). The average chemical formula for common diesel fuel is $C_{12}{H}_{24}$, ranging approximately from $C_{10}{H}_{20}.......C_{15}{H}_{28}$.