Medium isoparaffinic · C10–C14 branched-alkane fluid · European procurement
Medium isoparaffinic covers the C10–C14 branched-alkane range. Boiling 153–213°C, flash +40 to +70°C, aromatic content typically below 0.01 wt%. Evaporation is moderate, residue is clean, odour is low. The commercial position of the medium cluster is defined by its handling envelope: Flam. Liq. 3 (H226) under CLP, with UN 3295 Class 3 Packing Group III transport. That is a meaningfully lighter regime than the light cluster, simpler bulk storage, easier logistics routing, while still carrying the low-aromatic branched-alkane technical profile.
Isoparaffinic solvents split into three commercial clusters. Light (C7–C10) is the DG-regulated fast-evap cluster. Medium (C10–C14) is the Flam. Liq. 3 workhorse. Heavy (C12–C19) sits above the Flam. Liq. threshold and transports non-DG. Most isoparaffinic volume across European industrial supply runs through the medium cluster. Context lives in the isoparaffinic solvents hub.
Fast commercial starting point
What you typically want from a medium isoparaffinic enquiry
A good first response should immediately tell you whether the requirement is workable for your volume and destination, and whether the cluster can be supplied under current market conditions.
At a glance
What medium isoparaffinic is commercially
Medium isoparaffinic is a dearomatised branched-alkane hydrocarbon fluid in the C10–C14 range. Branching gives cleaner evaporation residue, lower odour and different solvency profile than mixed-aliphatic D-cuts in the same boiling range. Aromatic content is reduced to <0.01 wt% by hydrogenation. Density runs 760–790 kg/m³.
Procurement position: medium isoparaffinic is the workhorse cluster of the isoparaffinic family. The handling envelope (Flam. Liq. 3, PG III) is materially lighter than the light cluster while retaining the branched-alkane technical profile. Most procurement enquiries that come in asking for "isoparaffinic" without further qualification are in fact looking for a medium cluster grade. It covers industrial coatings, metal removal fluids, drilling fluids, polymer processing, specialty cleaning and rubber compounding, the applications where isoparaffinic structure matters but fast evaporation does not.
Selection framing
Four decision scenarios that drive most medium isoparaffinic enquiries. The first two are where the cluster genuinely fits; the second two are where a different cluster or product family typically produces a better outcome.
Fits · 01
Industrial coatings and metalworking
Solvent carrier in industrial coating formulations, base fluid for metal removal fluids and metalworking oils, process fluid in rubber compounding. Moderate evaporation plus low-aromatic branched structure fits the typical combination of site handling, formulation tolerance and workplace exposure control.
Fits · 02
Drilling fluids and polymer processing
Base fluid for drilling mud additives, polymer carrier in plastic and rubber production, process diluent in polymerisation reactions. Where the branched-alkane structure supports process chemistry and the DG envelope is manageable at site scale, medium is typically the default.
Substitute · 03
Branched structure is not formulation-critical
Where the application does not require branched-alkane specifically, a dearomatised D-cut (D60, D80) in the same boiling range is typically a lower-cost alternative. D-cuts carry mixed aliphatic structure but share the low-aromatic profile. The substitution is formulation-sensitive and should be validated.
Substitute · 04
Faster evap or non-DG handling required
Where the application needs faster flash-off (aerosols, precision cleaning), light isoparaffinic (C7–C10) is the correct cluster despite the heavier DG regime. Where non-DG transport is required (lubricant, cosmetic carrier, release oil), heavy isoparaffinic (C12–C19) fits instead.
Typical properties
The values below are indicative of the medium isoparaffinic cluster (C10–C14) across European commercial supply. Individual grades within the cluster differ on boiling-range tightness and flash-point position. Final specification, SDS and CoA are issued directly by the relevant supplier at the point of offer.
| Property | Typical value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon range | C10–C14 | Branched-alkane (isoalkane) structure |
| Boiling range | ~153–213°C | Varies by specific grade within cluster |
| Flash point (closed cup) | +40 to +70°C | Within Flam. Liq. 3 boundary |
| Density at 15°C | ~760–790 kg/m³ | Between light and heavy clusters |
| Aromatic content | <0.01 wt% | Hydrogenation-dearomatised |
| Evaporation rate (n-BuAc=100) | ~20–100 | Moderate; varies with boiling position |
| CLP classification | Flam. Liq. 3 (H226) | Plus Asp. Tox. 1 (H304) and EUH066 |
| Transport classification | UN 3295, Class 3, PG III | Lighter DG regime than light cluster |
| REACH | Registered | Producer-specific registration references |
CLP and transport rows are highlighted because the Packing Group III classification is the defining commercial advantage of the medium cluster over light, simpler bulk storage, easier road transport routing, lower goods-handling overhead. The authoritative document for any specific delivery is the supplier's PDS/SDS/CoA.
Adjacent clusters
Within the isoparaffinic family, the decision between medium and the adjacent light / heavy clusters is driven by evaporation requirement and DG handling envelope. Outside the family, the most common substitution consideration is the dearomatised D-cut (D60, D80) in the same boiling range, similar flash point, similar low-aromatic profile, different molecular structure.
| Product | Carbon | Boiling | Flash | DG | Procurement axis vs medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium isoparaffinic (reference) | C10–C14 | ~153–213°C | +40 to +70°C | UN 3295 PG III | , |
| Light isoparaffinic | C7–C10 | ~99–143°C | −8 to +6°C | UN 1262 / 3295 PG II | Faster evap, fuller DG regime, higher handling overhead |
| Heavy isoparaffinic | C12–C19 | ~182–308°C | +68 to +127°C | Non-DG | Slower evap, carrier fluid profile, no DG overhead |
| D60 dearomatised | C10–C13 | ~185–214°C | ~62–65°C | Non-DG (typ) | Mixed aliphatic (not branched); typically lower cost |
| D80 dearomatised | C11–C14 | ~203–240°C | ~79°C | Non-DG | Mixed aliphatic; higher flash than medium |
The medium isoparaffinic ↔ D60/D80 comparison is the most frequent cross-family conversation. D-cuts share the low-aromatic profile and sit in overlapping boiling ranges, but the mixed aliphatic structure (vs branched-alkane) changes solvency and evaporation residue characteristics. For applications where the branched structure is specifically required, the D-cut is not technically equivalent.
Application context
Six application contexts where the medium cluster is specified across European industrial supply. The common thread is the combination of branched-alkane structure, low-odour profile and Flam. Liq. 3 handling envelope.
Industrial coatings
Protective, specialty, low-odour
Solvent carrier in industrial protective coatings, specialty finishes, and low-odour coating systems where branched structure improves pigment wetting and film quality. Moderate evaporation supports controlled dry-down.
Metal removal fluids
Metalworking oils, rolling, forming
Base fluid component in metalworking, rolling and forming fluids where low odour, controlled aromatic content and branched-alkane solvency balance the lubrication / cleaning / cooling requirements of the process.
Drilling fluids
Mud additives, completion fluids
Base fluid for drilling mud additives and completion fluid formulations where branched-alkane structure, flash-point position and non-aquatic toxicity profile support downhole performance and regulatory compliance.
Polymer processing
Diluent, process carrier
Process diluent in polymerisation reactions, polymer extraction and polymer production. Branched structure and mid-boiling profile match process temperature envelopes and downstream product cleanup requirements.
Rubber compounding
Process aids, extender, specialty
Process carrier and extender fluid in rubber compounding where branched-alkane low-aromatic profile supports workplace exposure control and end-product cleanliness. Medium is typically preferred over D-cuts where the specification calls for isoparaffinic structure.
Specialty industrial
Low-odour cleaners, process fluids
Specialty industrial cleaning, process fluids where the low-odour profile matters for workplace or end-use reasons, and applications where the medium cluster's specific evaporation and flash profile is fit-for-purpose.
Buying checklist
Pre-enquiry clarity on these six points shortens the quotation loop and produces more useful first commercial responses.
01
Is medium actually the right cluster?Before confirming volume, sanity-check the application. If faster flash-off is formulation-critical, light (C7–C10) is the correct cluster despite heavier DG. If non-DG transport is required, heavy (C12–C19) fits instead. And if branched structure is not specifically needed, a dearomatised D-cut can be a lower-cost alternative.
02
Application and end-use.Industrial coating, metalworking fluid, drilling fluid, polymer processing, rubber compounding, specialty cleaning. The application tells the supplier which producer grade within the cluster is the right match and which regional sales specifications apply.
03
Flash-point position.Within the cluster, grades run from ~+40°C to ~+70°C flash. For site handling above specific flash floors, flag the minimum so the supplier routes to the appropriate grade within the cluster.
04
Boiling range tightness.Medium covers a wide C10–C14 range with multiple producer sub-grades. For applications that need narrow boiling distribution (rubber compounding, drilling fluid), flag the range tightness required, it narrows supplier routing materially.
05
Packaging, volume, destination.IBC (1000L), drum (200L) or bulk tanker; monthly or project volume; delivery country. Bulk tanker supply into a PG III-compliant site is substantially simpler than the light-cluster equivalent.
06
Documentation.SDS, TDS, CoA, REACH registration reference, low-aromatic declaration. Specific end-use routes (pharmaceutical, cosmetic) are uncommon for medium but available where declared.
FAQ
Medium isoparaffinic is a dearomatised branched-alkane hydrocarbon fluid in the C10–C14 range. Boiling point ~153–213°C depending on grade, flash point +40 to +70°C. Aromatic content typically <0.01 wt%. CLP classification is Flam. Liq. 3 (H226), DG transport UN 3295, Class 3, PG III. Density ~760–790 kg/m³.
Medium is the workhorse cluster for industrial solvent applications where moderate evaporation speed is acceptable, low odour and branched-alkane structure are required, and the full DG regime of the light cluster creates unnecessary handling overhead: industrial coatings, metal removal fluids, drilling fluids, polymer processing, specialty cleaning, rubber compounding. Where faster evaporation is required, light (C7–C10). Where non-DG transport is required, heavy (C12–C19).
Both sit in a similar boiling range. Medium isoparaffinic has branched-alkane (isoparaffinic) structure; D-cuts (D60, D80) are predominantly mixed aliphatic (paraffinic plus naphthenic). Branching reduces odour, improves low-temperature pour, and changes solvency for certain resins. D-cuts are typically lower cost and adequate for many industrial cleaning and metalworking applications. Medium isoparaffinic is preferred where the branched structure is specifically needed.
Medium isoparaffinic covers the largest share of isoparaffinic volume across European industrial supply. The flash point range (+40 to +70°C) places it in Flam. Liq. 3 Packing Group III, which means transport and site handling are regulated but significantly lighter than the Flam. Liq. 2 light cluster. That combination of branched-alkane technical characteristics with manageable DG overhead is why it lands in such a wide range of applications.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Certificates of Analysis (CoA), REACH registration references and low-aromatic declarations are issued directly by the relevant supplier at the point of offer. Specific documentation depends on producer, supply route and batch. Pharmacopoeial or food-contact routes of supply require explicit producer declaration and are not the default for technical-grade medium isoparaffinic.
No. Alcoris does not sell, stock or distribute any product. Alcoris is an independent sourcing platform that structures and qualifies industrial buyer enquiries, then connects them to qualified third-party suppliers in the European supply network. Any resulting supply contract is concluded directly between the buyer and the third-party supplier. Alcoris is not a party to the contract. Details in the Legal Notice.
Commercial enquiries
Serious industrial enquiries only. State application, volume, delivery country, flash-point floor and any range-tightness requirement. Each enquiry is reviewed for cluster-fit coherence before supplier contact, if light isoparaffinic, heavy isoparaffinic or a dearomatised D-cut would fit the application better, we say so directly rather than routing the enquiry on the wrong basis.
All indicative values on this page are subject to confirmation at the point of offer. Buyers remain responsible for verifying product suitability, REACH and CLP compliance, Flam. Liq. 3 dangerous goods transport classification (ADR / RID / IMDG applies), and all other regulatory obligations applicable to the intended use.
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