Kino

Description

A red, resinous exudation from several trees of the genus Pterocarpus that are native to India, Sri Lanka, and western Africa. Kino resin contains 70-80% kinotannic acid along with kino red, pyrocatechol, and kinoin. It is partially soluble in alcohol and water. Similar to dragon's blood and catechu, kino has been used as for colored varnishes on musical instruments and furniture. Kino has also been used for tanning dark colored leathers.

Synonyms and Related Terms

resin kino; gum kino; kino gum

Physical and Chemical Properties

Partially soluble in water and ethanol.

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 433

• Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 5325

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• F. Crace-Calvert, Dyeing and Calico Printing, Palmer & Howe, London, 1876