Physical properties

They are white shining rhombic plate like crystals.

They are tasteless and odourless.

Cholesterol has a high melting point of 150°C.

Cholesterol is insoluble in water and soluble in fat solvents (chloroform, acetone, and benzene). It is soluble in soap solution and bile salt solution.

When mixed with fat or oil, cholesterol has the peculiar property of enabling the fat or oil to absorb water. For example, lanolin is a greasy substance, containing cholesterol, which enables lanolin to absorb water readily. Lanolin is used in pharmacy as a greasy vehicle in the preparation of ointments containing water soluble constituents.

Cholesterol is a poor conductor of electricity and serves as an insulator against electric discharge. It appears that cholesterol functions as an insulation cover for the transmission of electrical impulses in the nervous tissue, where it is found abundantly. It act as an insulator against nerve impulses, which are electrical in character.