Waxes of 23 samples of propolis of Apis mellifera mostly from Brazil y
ielded monoesters as main constituents, followed by hydrocarbons. The
methyl and acetyl esters of the carboxylic acids and alcohols, respect
ively, derived from the monoesters, and the hydrocarbons were analysed
by gas chromatography/electron impact-mass spectrometry. The hydrocar
bons comprise n-alkanes and alkenes, the main homologues being C27H56,
C29H60, C31H64 and C33H68. iso-Alkanes in low amounts were found in s
ome samples. The main carboxylic acids are C-16:0, C-18:0, C-18:1. The
primary alcohols range from C-24 to C-34, C-30 being generally the ma
in constituent. A wide variation in the distribution of hydrocarbons,
acids and alcohols was found comparing one sample with another. The co
mposition of propolis wax is similar to that of comb wax, which sugges
ts that propolis waxes are probably secreted by the bees, rather than
originating from plants. (C) Inra/DIB/AGIB/Elsevier, Paris.