Chemical Properties
(1) Balsam fr oil (Canadian fr needle oil): This oil is prepared by steam distillation of the needles and twigs of A balsamea The oil has a balsamic, pleasant odor, reminiscent of spruce or hemlock oil The oil is produced in limited amounts because of its minor commercial importance (2) Canadian balsam oil: This essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the balsam (resin) in approximately 15 to 25% yields It has a strong, turpentine-like odor.
Physical properties
The oil is a colorless to faintly yellow liquid Canadian balsam oil: It is an almost colorless liquid.
Definition
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Abies balsamea, Pinaceae
Essential oil composition
The main constituents include l-beta-phellandrene, alpha- and beta-pinene, esters (bornyl acetate) and
alcohols.