Any hydrocarbon identified by saturated straight (normal) or branched (iso) carbon chains; also called an alkane. The generalised paraffinic molecule can be symbolised by the formula CnH2n+2. Paraffins are relatively non-reactive and have excellent oxidation stability. In contrast to naphthenic oils, paraffinic lubricating oils have relatively high wax content and pour point, and generally have a high viscosity index (VI. ). Paraffinic solvents are generally lower in solvency than naphthenic or aromatic solvents.