Waxes are esters of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols. The fatty acids are same in wax and fats, but the difference being saponification. Waxes are saponified only by alcoholic alkali but the fats may be saponified either by alcoholic alkali or by aqueous alkali.
WAXES
Waxes are esters of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols. The
fatty acids are same in wax and fats, but the difference being saponification.
Waxes are saponified only by alcoholic alkali but the fats may be saponified
either by alcoholic alkali or by aqueous alkali. Along with fatty acids it also
contains monohydroxy alcohols of high molecular weight especially cetyl
alcohol, melissyl alcohol, and myricyl alcohol. Some-times cholesterol or
phytosterols are also present.
As such they are not suitable as food because hydrolysing
enzymes of wax are not present in system. Waxes are widely distributed in
nature. The leaves and fruits of many plants have waxy coatings, which may
protect them from dehydration and small predators. The feathers of birds and
the fur of some animals have similar coatings which serve as a water repellent.
Spermaceti, beeswax, carnuba wax, etc. are the examples of
waxes.
TH 2019 - 2023 pharmacy180.com; Developed by Therithal info.