Latent dispersants were made by the hydrogenation of an alkyl ketene dimer, alkenyl ketene dimer, or ketene multimer. Adding the latent dispersant to paper or paperboard increased its resistance to water and water vapor while maintaining recyclability and repulpability. Additionally, provided is a method for increasing the repulpability of a wax coated paper or paperboard. Dispersants made by the hydrolysis of the alkyl ketene dimer, alkenyl ketene dimer, and ketene multimer are also described.
