Studies in Waxes. XX. The Quantitative Analysis of Hydrolysed Carnauba Wax by Gas Chromatography

Abstract

The hydrolytic products of carnauba wax, previously shown to consist mainly of straight-chain alcohols, α,ω-diols, alkanoic acids, and ω-hydroxyalkanoic acids, have been reexamined by gas chromatographic methods to provide a qualitative and quantitative knowledge of the components. These components, shown to be almost entirely straight chain in character, are largely even carbon numbered compounds, but odd chain-lengths are present. The hydrocarbons are likewise of odd and even carbon number with the odd members (90%) predominating. An unidentified compound, possibly an unsaturated steroid diol, has been isolated from the unsaponifiable fraction.