Gurjun balsam

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

Physical and Chemical 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 g/ml
• Refractive Index = 1.510-1.516
• Boiling Point = 255 C

Resources and Citations

• 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." Accessed 7 Apr. 2005.