Mecca balsam

Description

A light brownish-red oleoresin obtained from the shrub Commiphora opobalsamum native to the Middle East. Mecca balsam is an aromatic resin used in perfumes.

Synonyms and Related Terms

balm of Gilead; balsam of Gilead; Balsan-Katel

Physical and Chemical Properties

Soluble in ethanol, benzene, chloroform, ether, glacial acetic acid, carbon disulfide, acetone, turpentine. Insoluble in water.

Resources and Citations

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 977