waxes

WAXES

Natural mixtures containing large amounts of esters derived from higher monohydric alcohols of the methyl alcohol series combined with fatty acids.

WAXES

Alcohols change from liquids to solids, become less soluble in water and have higher melting points & MWs (molecular weight).

WAXES

examples

• Vegetable products e.g. carnauba wax 

• Animal products e.g. beeswax

• Cohoba wax

• Spermaceti wax

BEESWAX

source

• Melting and purifying the honeycomb of Apis mellifica and other bees

• Bee hives

BEESWAX

zoological origin

• Apis mellifera

• Apis dosarta

• Apis cerana

• Apis indica

• Apis florea

BEESWAX

family

Apidae

BEESWAX

geographical source

• West Indies

• California

• Chile

• Africa

• Madagascar

• India

BEESWAX

preparation: yellow beeswax

After removal of the honey, by melting the comb under water. This causes solid impurities to sink to the bottom while any residual honey is dissolved. This is then strained and the wax is allowed to solidify in suitable moulds.

BEESWAX

preparation: white beswax

From yellow beeswax which is treated with charcoal, potassium permanganate, chromic acid, or chlorine, by the slow bleaching action of light, air, and moisture.

BEESWAX

characteristics

• Yellow-brown or yellow-white solid

• Granular fracture and has a characteristic odor

• Insoluble in water and slightly soluble in cold alcohol, but dissolves in chloroform and also in warm fixed and volatile oils

BEESWAX

constituents

• 80% myricin (myricyl palmitate)

• A little myricyl stearate

• Free cerotic acid

BEESWAX

adulterants

Japan wax is not a true wax, but a fat. It is prepared from the fruits of Rhus (Anacardiaceae).

BEESWAX

uses

Common component of semi-solid preparations of plasters, ointments, and polishes

CARNAUBA WAX

botanical origin

Copernicia cerifera

CARNAUBA WAX

family

Arecaceae

CARNAUBA WAX

parts used

Leaves

CARNAUBA WAX

constituents

Myricyl cerotate with some free alcohols and other minor constituents

CARNAUBA WAX

uses

• Tablet coating agent

• Manufacture of candles and leather polish

• Replacement of beeswax in phytocosmetics