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.
d
15 0.918–0.930; n
20D 1.5010–1.5050; α
20D ?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.
Definition
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. It consists primarily of resins, essential oils, and usually cinnamic and benzoic acids.
