Comparison of some commercial waxes by gas liquid chromatography

Volatile components (hydrocarbons, monoesters, free acids as methyl esters and free alcohols as acetates) of seven unhydrolyzed commercial waxes-ouricury, carnauba, Chinese insect, lac, esparto, candelilla and Japan wax—have been analyzed and compared by gas liquid chromatography. Though appreciable portions of the waxes were nonvolatile, the results were sufficient to distinguish the seven waxes completely. Methanolysis products were analyzed directly by gas liquid chromatography, and the results agreed with those previously obtained for hydrolysis products of these waxes. Ouricury wax gave 18% C₂₄−C₃₄ αω-diols and 4% C₂₄−C₃₂ ω-hydroxy acids, in addition to 28% C₂₀−C₃₂ aciods and 17% C₂₂−C₃₄ alcohols, on methanolysis. NRCC No. 13387.