Something that will dissolve wax?

Question

I want ideas about some things that will dissolve wax that is:

#1. Flammable. I can take up the wax from my old candles, or the cheap wax I can find around, and dissolve it to make some kind of fuel I could somehow use.

#2. Nontoxic. I'm concerned how apples are waxed to be made shiny, so if possible I could dissolve the wax off of them. I don't want it to be toxic 'cuz obviously I want to eat the apple afterwards, and I don't want it to be dangerous for the environment. I could try to salvage the wax collected to be used in candlemaking or fuel (see #1).

Thanks for your input. Constructive answers only.

Additional Details

I'm not using the "fuel" in an engine btw. The liquid solution could probably be used in an oil lamp? Something like that.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Wax is a non-polar substance, so it can only be dissolved with non-polar substances. Di-ethyl ether is a non-polar solvent that is also highly flammable. Unfortunately, it is also very toxic. In fact, aside from fire, there really aren't any good non-toxic ways to dissolve wax. Hope this helps.

Source(s):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonpolar_so…
http://www.ausetute.com.au/intermof.html

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

More informative. Guess I'll just leave it as it is for now.

Answer 2

You would not want to run a wax through an engine. Wax is a higher molecular weight material that even though it will burn, it will not burn like gasoline. The wax will gum up your engine. By dissolving the wax, you are only solvating it and not breaking it down, so if you burn the solution, the wax will still not burn cleanly and will leave residue in the engine. As for removing wax from apples, I have had good luck with the store bought fruit cleaners.