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Carnauba wax is a natural plant wax harvested from the fronds of the Brazilian Copernicia prunifera palm.
Chemical Composition:
Primarily long-chain esters (≈85%) formed by C30–C34 fatty acids + C30–C34 fatty alcohols.
Minor components: free acids, alcohols, resins, and hydrocarbons.
Key Properties:
Hardest natural wax (melting point: 82–86°C).
Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents.
Forms glossy, water-repellent films.
Major Uses:
Food coating (E903): candies, fruits.
Cosmetics: lipsticks, mascaras (adds shine/hardness).
Automotive/industrial polishes: durable gloss.
Pharmaceuticals: tablet coatings.
Safety: Non-toxic (FDA-approved).
Carnauba wax (CAS No: 8015-86-9) is a natural plant wax derived from the leaves of the Brazilian palm Copernicia prunifera. Chemically, it is a complex mixture of esters, fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons. Here’s a concise breakdown:
Primary Components (≈85%):
Long-chain esters (C₂₄–C₃₄ hydroxy fatty acids esterified with C₃₂–C₃₄ fatty alcohols), e.g., dotriacontyl dotriacontanoate.
Minor Components:
Free fatty acids (e.g., lignoceric acid, C₂₄H₄₈O₂),
Alcohols (e.g., ceryl alcohol, C₂₆H₅₄O),
Resins, and alkanes (C₂₅–C₃₅).
Highest natural melting point (82–86°C) of commercial waxes.
Extremely hard and brittle at room temperature.
Insoluble in water; soluble in chloroform, ether, and hot ethanol.
Forms glossy, hydrophobic films.
| Industry | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Food | Coating for candies, fruits (E903); prevents moisture loss. |
| Cosmetics | Hardener in lipsticks, mascaras; provides shine. |
| Automotive | Key component in car/floor waxes (durable gloss). |
| Pharmaceuticals | Tablet coating, polish for pills. |
| Industrial | Polish for furniture, leather, paper. |
Non-toxic (GRAS status by FDA).
May cause mild irritation if inhaled as dust.
Summary: Carnauba wax’s unique hardness, gloss, and biocompatibility stem from its ester-rich structure, making it irreplaceable in food, cosmetics, and polishes.
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