Adipocere formation is more likely to develop in a body submerged in water or buried in damp soil. The chemical process converting body fat into adipocere involves:

• A Aerobic oxidation of triglycerides to ketones and fatty acids under bacterial activity
• B Fermentation of glycerol by Clostridium species to produce waxy alcohols
• C Saponification — hydrolysis of triglycerides to glycerol and fatty acids, followed by hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated hydroxy fatty acids ✓
• D Desiccation of subcutaneous fat under hyperosmotic soil conditions

Explanation

Adipocere (saponification wax) forms through a two-step process: first, lipase enzymes (endogenous and bacterial) hydrolyse triglycerides to fatty acids and glycerol. Then, under anaerobic waterlogged conditions, unsaturated fatty acids undergo bacterial hydrogenation to produce saturated hydroxy fatty acids (principally hydroxystearic acid and palmitic acid), which are solid at room temperature. The resultant material is a greyish-white, greasy, waxy, soap-like substance preserving body contours. This process requires anaerobic conditions, warmth, and moisture — aerobic oxidation would produce different products. Desiccation produces mummification, not adipocere.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.