CHEMISTRY IN DAILY LIFE — Identify the correct source. Question: Which one of the following is classified specifically as a petroleum-derived wax (obtained from crude oil refining and not of plant or animal origin)?

Introduction / Context:
Waxes are a broad family of hydrophobic materials used in candles, polishes, packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. They may originate from petroleum, plants, or animals. This question checks whether you can distinguish a petroleum wax from natural plant and animal waxes based on source and composition.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We compare five named waxes by origin.
• “Petroleum wax” refers to fractions derived from crude oil during refining (dewaxing of lubricating oils).
• Non-petroleum waxes include plant and animal sources.

Concept / Approach:
Petroleum waxes are predominantly mixtures of saturated hydrocarbons (long-chain alkanes and isoparaffins). Paraffin wax is the most common petroleum wax, obtained from the heavy oil fraction. Microcrystalline wax (another petroleum wax) is related but is not listed. In contrast, beeswax is an animal wax (from honeybees), carnauba wax and jojoba wax are plant-derived, and montan wax is obtained from lignite (a mineral/plant fossil origin), not directly a petroleum product.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify which option is produced during crude oil refining → paraffin wax.Eliminate plant waxes: carnauba (palm leaves), jojoba (seed oil wax esters).Eliminate animal wax: beeswax (ester-rich secretion from bees).Note: montan is a fossil wax from lignite, not petroleum; therefore still not the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Industry classifications label paraffin and microcrystalline waxes as “petroleum waxes,” sold by refineries and specialty chemical suppliers after solvent dewaxing and hydro-treatment.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
B) Jojoba wax — plant (liquid wax ester), not from petroleum.C) Carnauba wax — plant (Copernicia prunifera leaves).D) Beeswax — animal secretion, not petroleum.E) Montan wax — fossil/lignite-derived, not a petroleum refinery product.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all mineral-like waxes are “petroleum.” Only those directly refined from crude oil fractions qualify; others may be natural or fossil sources.

Final Answer:
Paraffin wax