Nomenclature
Cetaceum; Spermwax (Robeco). Description and references
A waxy substance from the head of the sperm
whale. Constit. Chiefly cetyl palmitate; free cetyl alcohol
present in appreciable amounts; esters of lauric, stearic, and myristic
acids; esters of higher alcohols also present.
Properties
White, somewhat translucent, slightly unctuous
masses with crystalline fracture and pearly luster; almost odorless
and tasteless but becomes yellow and rancid on long exposure to air.
d 0.938-0.944; mp 42-50°; nD80 ≈1.4330. Sapon no. 120-136. Iodine no. 3-4.4. Insol in water or
cold alcohol. Sol in chloroform, ether, carbon disulfide, oils, boiling
alcohol; slightly sol in petr ether.Use
As a base for ointments, cerates, etc., and as emulsion
with egg yolk or expressed almond oil. In manuf of candles, soaps,
cosmetics, laundry wax; finishing and lustering linens. Emollient.