Waxes are a class of chemical compounds that are at room temperature moldable to hard. They usually melt above 45°C giving a low viscous liquid without decomposition.
When cooling they re-solidify but remain chemically unchanged. For waxes solubility and consistency are a function of the temperature. Of course they are insoluble in water but soluble in organic, nonpolar solvents. Most waxes are buffable by slightly rubbing and give a remarkable surface brilliance. They are inflammable and therefore the perfect ingredient for candles.
Natural waxes are typically esters of fatty acids and long chain alcohols while synthetic waxes are long-chain hydrocarbons lacking functional groups. Besides the free wax acids and alcohols, natural waxes usually also contain phytosterols and resins and have a very variable, complex composition which makes them individual. Hydrogenated oils are also sometimes called wax as they seem to fit into the definition, but they are more like butters and have different properties such as no oil binding capacity or a low melting point and therefore no good impact on heat resistance.
Natural waxes are produced by bio-organisms to protect themselves against mechanical stress, loss of moisture or molding, UV radiation and parasites. The gas- and water-permeability of wax films is essential, otherwise the organism cannot breathe anymore. Natural waxes are truly sustainable and readily biodegradable.
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