What is wax made of?

Wax is a diverse class of organic compounds that are typically malleable solids at room temperature and become liquid when heated. They are generally characterized by being hydrophobic, insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents.

Here's a breakdown of what wax is made of:

• Composition: Waxes are primarily composed of long-chain alkanes and esters.
• Types: There are several types of waxes, each with its own specific composition:
  • Natural waxes: These waxes are derived from plants, animals, and minerals.
    • Plant waxes: Often mixtures of fatty acids esters with long-chain alcohols. Example: Carnauba wax.
    • Animal waxes: Often contain esters of fatty acids with long-chain alcohols, as well as free fatty acids and hydrocarbons. Example: Beeswax.
    • Mineral waxes: These are derived from petroleum or other geological sources, and are generally complex mixtures of hydrocarbons. Example: Paraffin wax.
  • Synthetic waxes: These waxes are man-made and produced through chemical processes. Examples: Polyethylene waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes.
• Key Components:
  • Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2.
  • Esters: Formed from the reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. In waxes, these are typically esters of long-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols.
  • Fatty acids: Carboxylic acids with a long aliphatic chain, either saturated or unsaturated.
  • Alcohols: Organic compounds containing a hydroxyl (-OH) group. In waxes, these are typically long-chain alcohols.
• Variations: The specific composition of a wax will depend on its source and processing. This can affect its melting point, hardness, and other properties.