Gurjun balsam

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Description

A light brown oleoresin obtained from any of several species of Dipterocarpus trees native to India, China and southeast Asia. Gurjun balsam is a transparent, thick liquid and has a greenish fluorescence. It has been used in varnishes and inks, as a waterproofing agent and as a wood preservative. Gurjun balsam was called wood oil prior to the 19th century.

Synonyms and Related Terms

gurgina balsam; goorjun balsam; wood oil; East Indian copaiba balsam

Other Properties

Soluble in benzene, chloroform, ether. Slightly soluble in ethanol. Insoluble in water. Acid no. 5-15. Saponification no. 10-20.

Density 0.955-0.965
Refractive Index 1.510-1.516
Boiling Point 255

Authority

  • Thomas Gregory, The Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Reinhold Publishing, New York, 3rd ed., 1942
  • G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 384
  • Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985
  • The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 974
  • Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Dipterocarpaceae." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service 7 Apr. 2005 .

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