A Note on Autoxidation and its Inhibition in Wool Alcohols B.P

The effects on Wool Alcohols B.P. of gradual autoxidation during storage at room temperature have been compared with the known effects of accelerated oxidation. There is a decrease in emulsification value, a bleaching of the surface, and, contrary to previous reports, a rapid fall in melting point. Autoxidation, even under bad conditions, has been inhibited, apart from a slight fall in melting point, for at least 23 months by the addition of 500 p.p.m. of butylated hydroxyanisole, but certain other antoxidant systems had only a limited effect.