Features of the structure of some components of oxidized peat wax

The changes in the structure of the compounds of wax in the oxidation of cottongrass peat by nitric acid are considered. In the modification of cottongrass peat with 30% nitric acid, the unsaturated compounds and aromatic acids undergo oxidation, and nitroalkanes are formed. The increase in the yield of wax takes place mainly through the formation of low-molecular-weight acids as the result of the decomposition of the humic and readily hydrolyzable substances of the peat.