Question

Lanolin wool is:
A. palmitic ester of cholesterol containing only one aldehyde, $C{{H}_{3}}-{{(C{{H}_{2}})}_{7}}-CHO$ and an aldehyde mono carboxylic acid
B. stearic acid ester of cholesterol only
C. oleic acid ester of cholesterol only
D. palmitic acid or stearic acid or oleic-acid ester of cholesterol

Answer 1

Hint: Lanoline is the name of the oil which is present in the raw sheep wool. Lanolin lacks the glycerides i.e. the glycerol esters which means that it is not fat. The waterproofing property of lanolin aids the sheep in shedding water from their coats.

Complete step by step answer:
Lanoline is also known as wool yolk or wool wax or sometimes a wax which is secreted by the sebaceous glands of the wool-bearing animals. Lanolin's role in nature is to guard wool and the skin against the climate, therefore the environment, it also plays a task in maintaining skin hygiene. Lanolin and its derivatives are utilized in the protection, treatment and the beautification of human skin.
Lanolin is made up of a mixture of cholesterol and mixtures of esters containing several fatty acids.it form emulsion with water and when it is purified, lanolin is used as a base for ointments and creams.

Hence the correct answer is option (c) i.e. palmitic acid or stearic acid or oleic-acid ester of cholesterol.

Note: Lanolin is employed commercially in many industries starting from rust proof coating of the lubricants. Some sailors use lanolin to make slippery surfaces on their propellers and stern gear to which the barnacles cannot adhere. Commercial products contain up to 85 percent of lanolin and are wont prevent corrosion in the marine fasteners, especially when two different metals are in touch with one another and salt water. The water repellent properties make it valuable in many applications.