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 |
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- 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 .