GURJUN BALSAM

Chemical properties

Gurjun balsam oil is produced by steam distillation of balsams obtained from several Dipterocarpus C.F. Gaertn. species (Dipterocarpaceae); the trees grow in South and East Asia.The balsam is produced mainly in Indonesia in a quantity of 50 t/yr.The oil is a yellow, slightly viscous liquid with a weak, wood-like odor.
d¹⁵ 0.918–0.930; n²⁰_D 1.5010–1.5050; α²⁰_D ?130 ° to ?35°; solubility: 1 vol in 10 vol of ethanol.
It consists almost entirely of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and its main component (>60%) is α-gurjunene. Other qualities of gurjun balsam oil containing calarene and α-copaene as main constituents are also found on the market.
Gurjun balsam oil and gurjun balsams are used for their good fixative properties, for example, in soap perfumes, and also serve as starting materials for the production of guaiazulene, C15H18.

Occurrence

As a pathological exudation of the wood of several species of Dipterocarpus (Fam. Dipterocarpaceae) (Guenther. 1952).

Preparation

By the collection of the exuding balsam of the wood of several species of Dipterocarpus (Guenther. 1952).

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. It consists primarily of resins, essential oils, and usually cinnamic and benzoic acids.