Abstract
A homologous series of higher alcohols from C22 to C30 was analyzed in the waxy layer and outer rind of 15 varieties of sugarcane belonging to the genus Saccharum, and 1 variety of Sorghum bicolor. The results showed that the waxy layer contained an appreciable amount of alcohols and the dominant compound was octacosanol (C28H*<70H) except for one variety. The varietal difference of octacosanol con-tent was remarkable. The content of octacosanol in Saccharum sinensis and Sorghum bicolor was relatively low. Two varieties of Saccharum spontaneum contained more than 10 % hexacosanol (C26H530H). The total contents of higher alcohols from the outer rind were negligible, which suggested that octacosanol in the filter mud of sugar factories was derived from the waxy layer. In addition, NMR spectra indicated that octacosanol predominated among the soluble compounds in organic solvents.
