Ceresins, paraffins and certain other waxes
Transfer 3.0 g of the sample to a 100 ml round-bottomed flask, add 30 ml of a 4% w/v solution of potassium hydroxide in aldehyde-free ethanol and boil gently under a reflux condenser for 2 h. Remove the condenser and immediately insert a thermometer. Place the flask in water at 80o and allow to cool, swirling the solution continuously. No precipitate is formed before the temperature reaches 65o, although the solution may be opalescent.