Question

Waxes are esters of higher fatty acids with long chain:

• A. monohydric alcohols
• B. dihydric alcohols
• C. trihydric alcohols
• D. all the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A monohydric alcohols

Waxes are esters of higher fatty acids with long chain of monohydric alcohols. It is a simple lipid which is an ester of a long-chain alcohol and a fatty acid. The alcohol may contain around 12-32 carbon atoms. Waxes are found in nature as coatings on leaves and stems. The wax prevents the plant from losing excessive amounts of water. Example: Carnuba wax is made up of $C{H}_3(C{H}_2{)}_{28}C{H}_{2}OH$ (alcohol) and $C{H}_3(C{H}_2{)}_{24}COOH$ (fatty acid).