Title: Spermaceti
Additional Names: Cetaceum
Trademarks: Spermwax (Robeco)
Literature 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.
Melting point: mp 42-50°
Index of refraction: nD80 ~1.4330
Density: d 0.938-0.944
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. |