Question

Paraffin wax is?
A. Ester
B. Acid
C. Monohydric alcohol
D. Cholesterol

Answer 1

Hint: Paraffin wax is a product obtained from hydrocarbons such as petroleum.
Just like other waxy products, it is also formed due to the reaction of long-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols.

Complete answer: Paraffin wax is produced from petroleum, a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing approximately 20 to 40 carbon atoms of coal.
It is a smooth, solid wax which is white or colorless. It is usually made from hydrocarbons that are saturated. The esters of long-chain (about 14 carbon atoms to 36 carbon atoms) saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with long-chain alcohols (16 carbon atoms to 30 carbon atoms) are known as waxes. It means, chemically, the waxes are esters. Paraffin is also wax and so it is also an ester.

 So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Additional Information: In 1830, Karl Reichenbach first developed paraffin wax.
He was a German chemist. The development of paraffin took place when he sought to establish the means to effectively isolate and refine the waxy substances that naturally exist in petroleum.
In the candle-making industry, paraffin is a significant advancement because it burned more cleanly and efficiently. Moreover, it was cheaper to produce than any other candle fuel.

Note: Popular paraffin uses include lubrication, electrical insulation, and candles.
In water, it is insoluble but soluble in ether, alcohol, or benzene.
It is also used on the palms, cuticles, feet, and in skin-softening treatments because it is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. It is also used in laboratories for various experiments, especially for histology preparations.