PROTECTIVE-COATING LIPIDS: BIOLOGICAL WAXES

Question 1

A _______________ is a lipid that is a monoester of a long-chain fatty acid and a long-chain alcohol.

Answer 1

biological wax

Question 2

The block diagram for a biological wax is

long-chain fatty acid —— long-chain alcohol

with the fatty acid and alcohol linked through
_________________.

Answer 2

ester linkage

Question 3

Note that the general structural formula for a biological wax is the same as that for a _______________.

Answer 3

simple ester

Question 4

________________ is a particularly hard wax whose uses involve high gloss finishes: automobile wax, boat wax, floor wax, and shoe wax

Answer 4

Carnauba wax (obtained from a species of Brazilian palm tree)
Copernicia prunifera

Question 5

___________, a mixture of waxes obtained from sheep wool, is used as a base for skin creams and ointments intended to enhance retention of water (which softens the skin).

Answer 5

Lanolin

Question 6

The synthetic ____________, for example, is a polyether.

Answer 6

carbowax