2.14 Protective-Coating Lipids: Biochemical Waxes

• Biological Wax

  • Monoester of a long-chain fatty acid and a long-chain alcohol.
  • Has a structure with a small, weakly polar “head” and two long, nonpolar “tails.”
• The fatty acids found in biological waxes:

  • Generally saturated
  • Contain 14 to 36 carbon atoms
• The alcohols found in biological waxes: 

  • May be saturated or unsaturated 
  • May contain 16 to 30 carbon atoms
• Mineral Wax

  • A type of wax with a mixture of long-chain alkanes obtained from the processing of petroleum. 
• Paraffin Wax

  • Type of wax that resist moisture and chemicals and have no odor or taste. They serve as a waterproof coating for such paper products as milk cartons and waxed paper.