Light Naphtha, commonly referred to as Paraffinic Naphtha, is a low-boiling, highly volatile hydrocarbon fraction obtained during the distillation of crude oil or from natural gas condensate processing. It is predominantly composed of paraffinic (alkane) hydrocarbons, typically in the C5–C7 carbon range.
Due to its high paraffin content, very low sulfur levels, and minimal aromatic compounds, Light Naphtha is widely used as a petrochemical feedstock and as a gasoline blending component. Its clean-burning nature and excellent cracking behavior make it one of the most valuable light refinery streams.
Key Characteristics
High Paraffinic Content
Dominated by straight-chain and branched alkanes, making it ideal for
steam cracking and achieving high olefin yield.
Low Aromatic & Olefin Levels
Results in cleaner combustion, reduced emissions, and extended
downstream catalyst life in petrochemical processes.
High Volatility & Low Boiling Range
Typical boiling range between 30°C and 90°C, enabling easy
vaporization, rapid ignition, and efficient processing.
Good Chemical Stability
Exhibits low reactivity under normal storage conditions while
maintaining stable solvency properties for industrial use.
Refining & Processing Properties
Light Naphtha is separated during atmospheric crude oil distillation and may undergo hydrotreating to remove trace sulfur compounds, improve color, and enhance chemical stability.
Typical refining attributes include:
Boiling Range: ~30°C – 90°C
Specific Gravity: 0.65 – 0.70
Sulfur Content: Very low
High hydrogen-to-carbon ratio favoring olefin production
Minimal aromatics and olefins
Typical Physical & Chemical Properties
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Hydrocarbon Range: C5 – C7
Density @ 15°C: 0.65 – 0.70 g/cm³
Volatility: Very high
Flash Point: Very low (highly flammable)
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Storage, Handling & Safety
Light Naphtha is stored in steel tanks, drums, or ISO tank containers with proper grounding and bonding due to its high volatility. Adequate ventilation is required, and the product must be kept away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
Strict adherence to fire safety, static discharge control, and vapor management procedures is essential during storage, transfer, and transportation.
Applications of Light Naphtha
Petrochemical Industry
Primary feedstock for steam crackers producing ethylene, propylene,
and other light olefins.
Refining & Fuel Blending
Used as a gasoline blending component to improve volatility,
combustion quality, and cold-start performance.
Chemical & Industrial Uses
Used in solvents, extraction processes, and specialty chemical
manufacturing.
Energy & Manufacturing
Light industrial fuel and intermediate feedstock for further refinery
upgrading and chemical conversion.
Advantages of Light Naphtha
High-value petrochemical feedstock with excellent cracking efficiency, clean-burning characteristics due to low sulfur content, high volatility for easy handling, and strong global demand from refineries and chemical plants.