Mineral oil, Transformer Oil, 8042-47-5

Mineral oil is a mixture of alkanes that is suitable for overlaying aqueous reactions and centrifuge gradients

CAS Number: 8042-47-5

Mineral oil, a highly refined petroleum derivative, serves as a versatile compound in scientific research due to its unique physicochemical properties. Its inert and hydrophobic nature allows it to form stable emulsions and barriers. In molecular biology, mineral oil is employed to overlay PCR reaction mixtures, providing a vapor barrier that prevents the evaporation of samples and maintains consistent reaction conditions during thermal cycling. This property is essential for successful amplification of DNA. In cell culture, mineral oil plays a protective role by sealing cell suspension droplets, providing a sterile barrier while preventing cross-contamination. In addition, it is used in bioreactors to limit the exchange of gases and enhance the control of oxygen levels. In studies involving lubrication and friction, mineral oil′s low reactivity and stable viscosity make it ideal for investigating fluid dynamics and mechanical properties of materials. It serves as a standard in rheology and tribology, helping scientists understand viscosity-dependent behaviors under varying temperature conditions. Furthermore, mineral oil has applications in histology and microscopy, where its refractive index allows for clearer imaging when analyzing tissue structures or preparing specimen slides. These diverse research applications highlight the compound′s importance in maintaining experimental consistency and enhancing the reproducibility of scientific experiments.

Physical State : Liquid

Storage : Store at room temperature

Density : 0.84 g/mL at 25° C

MDL Number : MFCD00131611

EC Number : 232-455-8