Sierra Leone copal

Description

FTIR

A medium-hard variety of 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 resin that has been used in varnishes.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Copaifera guibourtiana; copal de Sierra Leona (Esp.)

Risks

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

Physical and Chemical 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.
• Melting Point = 130-200 C

Resources and Citations

• 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

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