colorless, transparent oily liquid, a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons; almost tasteless and odorless ...; soluble in ether, chloroform carbon disulfide, benzene, boiling alcohol, and fixed or volatile oils; insoluble in water, cold alcohol, glycerol. Combustible; nontoxic .... Uses : Medicine (laxative); cosmetics; dispersants; diluents, etc. ...; in foods as binder, defoaming agent, lubricant, release agent, fermentation aid, protective coating.