Question

Question #6e65e

Answer 1

Waxes are generally a blend of saturated hydrocarbons that are very stable to the types of reactions that cause rancidity.

Explanation:

Rancidity is generally found in fats and is either a result of oxidation or of hydrolysis of these fats.

In the case of oxidative rancidity, oxygen attacks the double bonds in unsaturated fats and oils.

In hydrolytic rancidity, the triglycerides in fats are broken apart (by reintroducing a water molecule - hence the name) into "fatty" organic acids and glycerol.

The molecules in waxes, which are saturated (have no double bonds) and are not triglycerides, do not undergo either of these reactions. Also, they are harder than fats and possess high melting temperature.

You might wish to check out this paper:

http://www.gcca.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/RancidityAntioxidants.pdf