Title: Beeswax
CAS Registry Number: 8012-89-3
Synonyms: Yellow beeswax
Literature References: A substance obtained from bee honeycombs. Consists of esters of straight-chain monohydric alcohols with even-numbered carbon chains from C24 to C36 esterified with straight-chain acids also having even numbers of C atoms up to C36 (some C18 hydroxy acids). Examples of such esters are triacontanol hexadecanoate and hexacosanol hexacosanoate. These esters are mixed with about 20% (w/w) of hydrocarbons having odd-numbered straight carbon chains from C21 to C33. Propolis, pigments and unidentified substances amount to about 6%. Composition: D. T. Downing
et al., Aust. J. Chem. 14, 253 (1961); Callow,
Bee World 44, 95 (1963). Brief review: C. S. Letcher in
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology Vol. 24 (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1984) pp 466-467.
Properties: Yellowish to brownish-yellow, soft to brittle; honey-like odor; slight balsamic taste. d 0.95-0.960. mp 62-65°. Saponification number 84. Acid number 20. Practically insol in water. Slightly sol in cold alc; sol in hot alc, chloroform, benzene, ether, carbon disulfide.
Melting point: mp 62-65°
Density: d 0.95-0.960
Derivative Type: White beeswax
Synonyms: White wax; bleached yellow wax; bleached beeswax
Properties: Prepd by oxidizing yellow beeswax cakes with peroxide or in sunlight. Yellowish-white. Properties similar to those of yellow beeswax, except for a slightly different taste. Preferred to yellow beeswax in cosmetics.
Use: Manuf of wax paper, candles, cosmetics; modeling artificial fruits and flowers; in process engraving; shoe polish. Pharmaceutic aid (in ointments, plasters).
