See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerosene

Kerosene is usually called paraffin in the UK, Ireland, Southeast Asia and South Africa.

[h=2]Properties[/h] Kerosene, a thin, clear liquid formed from hydrocarbons, with a density of 0.78–0.81 g/cm[SUP]3[/SUP], is obtained from the fractional distillation of petroleum between 150 °C and 275 °C, resulting in a mixture of carbon chains that typically contain between 6 and 16 carbon atoms per molecule.[SUP][8][/SUP]
Regardless of the crude oil source or processing history, the major components of all kerosenes are branched and straight chain alkanes and naphthenes (cycloalkanes), which normally account for at least 70% by volume. Aromatic hydrocarbons in this boiling range, such as alkylbenzenes (single ring) and alkylnaphthalenes (double ring) do not normally exceed 25% by volume of kerosene streams. Olefins are usually not present at more than 5% by volume.[SUP][9][/SUP]
The flash point of kerosene is between 37 and 65 °C (100 and 150 °F), and its autoignition temperature is 220 °C (428 °F).[SUP][10][/SUP] The pour point of kerosene depends on grade, with commercial aviation fuel standardized at −47 °C (−53 °F).