1238. Birch Tar Oil, Empyreumatic

Nomenclature

Oil white birch; oleum rusci.

Description and references

Obtained by destructive distillation of the bark and wood of Betula alba L., Betulaceae (white birch). Constit. Oil turpentine, other isomeric hydrocarbons, various empyreumatic resins, guaiacol, cresol, pyrocatechol, betulin.

Properties

Black, viscid liquid; characteristic odor. d 0.926-0.955. Partly sol in alcohol; sol in chloroform, fats, oils.

Use

For preserving leather and wood.