Chemical Properties
yellow resinous powder, crystals or chunks
Uses
Abietic Acid is the primary component of resin acid found commonly in rosin. Abietic Acid exhibited potent testosterone 5α-reductase inhibitory activity in vitro.
Definition
ChEBI: An abietane diterpenoid that is abieta-7,13-diene substituted by a carboxy group at position 18.
General Description
Yellowish resinous powder.
Reactivity Profile
ABIETIC ACID reacts exothermically with bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic. Can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. Such reactions are slow if the solid acid remains dry. Can react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. The reaction is slow for dry, solid carboxylic acids. Insoluble carboxylic acids react with solutions of cyanides to cause the release of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and/or toxic gases and heat are generated by the reaction of carboxylic acids with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. Carboxylic acids, especially in aqueous solution, also react with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Their reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) but still heat. Like other organic compounds, carboxylic acids can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. A wide variety of products is possible. Like other acids, carboxylic acids may initiate polymerization reactions; like other acids, they often catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions.
Health Hazard
ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: Slight fire hazard, slight explosive hazard as dust. Low toxicity.
Description
Abietic acid is probably a major allergen of colophony,
by way of oxidation products. Its detection in a
material indicates that allergenic components of colophony
are present.
Production Methods
by distillation of Rosin (from American Turpentine, e. g.) or by treatment with acid to isomenze the natural Levopimaric acid. Purification over the Diamylammonium salt.
Safety Profile
Poison by intravenous route.Combustible. Slight explosion hazard as dust. Whenheated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke andirritating fumes.
Solubility in organics
soluble in alcohol and oils. Also soluble in aqueous solution of Sodium hydroxide.
Purification Methods
Filter, dry it in a vacuum (over KOH or CaSO4) and store it in an O2-free atmosphere. It can also be purified via the anhydride, tritylabietate and the potassium, piperidine and brucine salts. max : nm(log ): 2343(4.3), 241(4.4), 2505(4.2), 235(4.34) and 240(4.36) in Et. [Harris & Sanderson Org Synth Coll Vol IV 1 1963, J Am Chem Soc 35 3736 1949, Lambard & Frey Bull Soc Chim Fr 1194 1948, Buchbauer et al. Monatsh Chem 116 1345 1985.] [Beilstein 9 IV 2175.]
