Question

The melting point of beta prime form of Theobroma oil used in the preparation of suppositories is _°C.

• A. 18
• B. 22
• C. 28
• D. 34.5

Hint:

Cocoa Butter Polymorphs: Gamma (18) < Alpha (22) < Beta Prime (28) < Beta Stable (34).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept
Theobroma oil (Cocoa butter) is a polymorphic base, meaning it can exist in different crystalline forms ($\alpha$, $\beta$, $\beta'$, and $\gamma$) depending on the temperature it was heated to.

Step 2: Meaning
Each crystalline form has a distinct melting point. The stable form is the $\beta$ form, while others like $\beta'$ are metastable.

Step 3: Analysis
The $\alpha$ form melts at $\sim$22°C, the $\gamma$ form at $\sim$18°C, the stable $\beta$ form at $\sim$34.5°C, and the $\beta'$ (beta prime) form typically melts around 28°C.

Step 4: Conclusion
The melting point of the beta prime form is 28°C.

Final Answer: (C)