Spermaceti

Spermaceti (from Latin sperma, seed, and cetus, whale), is a wax found in the head cavities and blubber of the Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus), where it is dissolved in the sperm oil while the creature is living; it also occurs in other cetacea (see whale oil). At a temperature of about 6 °C, the solid matter separates in a crystalline condition, and when purified by pressure and treatment with a weak solution of caustic alkali, it forms brilliant white crystalline scales or plates, that are hard but oily to the touch, and are devoid of taste or smell.

Related Topics:
Blubber - Sperm Whale - Whale oil - Alkali

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It is quite insoluble in water, very slightly affected by boiling alcohol, but easily dissolved in ether, chloroform, and carbon disulphide. Spermaceti consists principally of cetyl palmitate, C15,H31CO2C16H33. The substance was formerly used in making candles of a standard photometric value, in the dressing of fabrics, and in medicine and surgery, especially in cerates and ointments, and in cosmetic preparations.

Related Topics:
Alcohol - Ether - Chloroform - Carbon disulphide - Palmitate - Ointment - Cosmetic

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