View source for Sierra Leone copal

== Description ==

A medium-hard variety of [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=copal copal] resin obtained from the ''Copaifera guibourtiana'' tree native to the British colony of Sierra Leone in Africa. Sierra Leone copal is a pale yellow uniform [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=natural%20resin resin] that has been used in [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=varnish varnishes].

== Synonyms and Related Terms ==

''Copaifera guibourtiana''; copal de Sierra Leona (Esp.)

[[[SliderGallery rightalign|MFA- Copal, Sierra Leone.jpg~FTIR]]]

== Other Properties ==

Slightly soluble in acetone, amyl alcohol, ethanol, benzene, ether, turpentine.   Saponification number = 146-150;   Acid number = 109-114.  Most copals fluoresce white under short-wave UV light.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="row"| Melting Point
| 130-200
|}

== Hazards and Safety ==

Combustible, burning with a bright flame, dense smoke, and strong smell.

== Sources Checked for Data in Record ==

* R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, ''Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia'', Dover Publications, New York, 1966  Comment: gives trees as Copaifera guibourtiana

* Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000

* Website address 1  Comment: "Copal: An Immature and Controversial Resin" at www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/copal.htm - gives tree as Copaifera guibourthiana



[[Category:Materials database]]