Waxes - Carboxylic acids

Waxes are the esters of higher fatty acids along with higher monohydric alcohols. The acids and alcohols generally found in waxes are palmitic, cerotic acid C₂₅H₅₁COOH, melissic acid or C₃₀H₆₁COOH and cetyl alcohol C₁₆H₃₃OH, ceryl alcohol C₂₆H₅₃OH, myricyl alcohol (C₃₀H₆₁OH), etc.

In water waxes are insoluble although are readily soluble in petroleum, benzene, carbon disulphide etc. Waxes on hydrolysis along with water yields higher fatty acids and higher monohydric alcohols.

When hydrolysis is carried along with caustic alkalies, soap and higher monohydric alcohols are made.