SPERMACETI

Question 1

Botanical name of spermaceti

Answer 1

Physeter macrocephalus L. Physeteridae

Question 2

What is the common names of spermaceti

Answer 2

Spermwax
Cetaceum

Question 3

Definition of spermaceti

Answer 3

The solid waxy substance obtained from the oily fluid found in the head(skull) or the bubbler of sperm whale, name

Question 4

Geographical distribution

Answer 4

Whales are found in Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans

Question 5

Preparation of spermaceti

Answer 5

Killing of the whales( torpedo harpoons, explode)
Collection of the oily fluid(front of cranium, large cavity,oily fluid, opening, bucket, 10 to 12 barrels of oil)
Cooling(11per separate, pms, boiling aqueous, remove Free acid as soap, purified spermaceti cooled to form cakes

Question 6

Characteristics of spermaceti

Answer 6

It is almost odourless and tasteless but becomes yellow and rancid on long exposure to air

Mp of 42 to 50 degree Celsius

Insoluble in water and cold alcohol

Soluble in chloroform, boiling alcohol, ether, oils and slightly soluble in petroleum ether

It is a white, slightly unctuous(greasy or soapy feel) mass with crystalline fracture and pearly lustre

Question 7

Chemical constituents of spermaceti

Answer 7

Cetyl palmitate (C15H31OCOC16H13)
Cetyl myristate (C15H31OCOC13H27)
Cetyl laurate
Cetyl stearate
Acetyl laurate
Total esters constitute about 85per
Others are
Free cetyl alcohol
On saponification of esters with alcoholic KOH, cetyl alcohol (C16H33OH) mp 49.5 is formed

Question 8

Uses of spermaceti

Answer 8

Cold creams
Base for ointments
Manufacture of candle, soap, cosmetics
It has emollient properties
Emulsion with egg yolk