Lanoline wool is

Options

A. Palmitic ester of cholesterol only
B. Stearic ester of cholesterol only
C. Oleic ester of cholesterol only
D. palmitic or stearic or oleic ester of cholesterol

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Lanolin Wool**:
- Lanolin, commonly known as wool wax or wool grease, is a natural substance obtained from the wool of sheep. It is a complex mixture of fatty acids, alcohols, and esters.

2. **Identifying the Components**:
- Lanolin is primarily composed of esters formed from long-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols. In this case, the alcohol component is cholesterol.

3. **Determining the Acid Component**:
- The fatty acids that can combine with cholesterol to form lanolin include:
- Palmitic acid
- Stearic acid
- Oleic acid

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since lanolin is an ester formed from cholesterol and one of the fatty acids mentioned, it can be concluded that lanolin wool is an ester of cholesterol and either palmitic acid, stearic acid, or oleic acid.

5. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the correct answer is that lanolin wool is an ester of cholesterol and one of the fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, or oleic acid).

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