BENZOIN

Chemical properties

Reddish-brown globules; balsamic, vanilla-like odor. Brittle at room temperature but softened by heat. Soluble in warm alcohol and carbon disulfide; insoluble in water.

Chemical properties

Trees of this species are about 15 m tall. Resin flows from the incision made in the bark. S. tonkinensis (Siam benzoin) grows extensively in Laos and Tonkin. S. benzoin Dryand. (Sumatra benzoin) grows in Sumatra and Malaya. Sumatra benzoin is produced commercially in two basic qualities: selected tears and almonds or amygdaloid forms. The size of the tear-shaped pieces allows a further classification into three or four types. The amount of granules (almonds) as compared to the mass allows a classification into three basic qualities. The resins are the parts used. Benzoin has a sweet, balsamic, pleasant odor and an aromatic, acrid, bittersweet taste.

Physical properties

Sumatra benzoin consists of a grayish-red mass intermixed with yellow pieces somewhat resembling almonds.

Occurrence

Benzoin Siam is obtained from Styrax tonkinensis P. S. mycrothyrsus P. Benzoin Sumatra is derived from Styrax benzoin D. S. benzoides C.(Naves & Mazuyer, 1947).

The Uses of BENZOIN

Preserving ointments; preparing natural benzoic acid; for fumigating pastilles; in perfumery and cosmetics.

Preparation

The resinoid is obtained by extracting the natural benzoin with benzene and then distilling off the solvent(Naves & Mazuyer, 1947).

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. It is a product which may contain resin acids and their esters, terpenes, and oxidation or polymerization products of these terpenes. (Styrax, Styracaceae).