2516. Copaiba

Nomenclature

CAS number: 8001-61-4
Balsam copaiba; balsam capivi; Jesuit's balsam.

Description and references

Oleoresin from trees of the genus, Copaifera, Leguminosae, particularly C. reticulata Ducke (Para balsam), C. langsdorffii Desf. (Maranhao balsam) and C. guianensis (Maracaibo balsam). Used in traditional medicine as an antiseptic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Habit. Tropical regions of South America and southern Africa. Constit. Varies among the species; volatile oil (20-90%); diterpene acids, such as kaurenoic, copalic, hardwickiic acids. Brief description: D. L. J. Opdyke, Food Cosmet. Toxicol. 14, 687 (1976); of copaiba oil: idem, ibid. 11, 1075 (1973). Chemical characterization of 3 species: V. Cascon, B. Gilbert, Phytochemistry 55, 773 (2000). Volatile constituents of C. langsdorffii: N. V. Gramosa, E. R. Silveira, J. Essent. Oil Res. 17, 130 (2005). Review of ethnobotany and uses: C. Plowden, Econ. Bot. 58, 729-739 (2004).

Properties

Color, scent and viscosity varies widely ranging from pale yellow fluid to thick, brownish-yellow liquid; characteristic odor; unpleasant taste. Insol in water. Sol in benzene, chloroform, ether, oils, carbon disulfide, abs alcohol, petr ether, partly in 95% alcohol.

Derivative

Volatile oil.

Nomenclature

CAS number: 8013-97-6
Oil of copaiba.

Description and references

Obtained by steam distillation of the oleoresin. Constit. Highly variable, chiefly β-caryophyllene, β-bisabolene, α-copaene, α-humulene.

Properties

Colorless or pale yellow liquid; slightly bitter and pungent taste. d2525 0.880-0.907. bp 250-275°. Rotation -7 to -33°. nD20 1.493-1.500. Sol in alcohol, most fixed oils, mineral oil. Insol in glycerin, propylene glycol. Keep well closed, cool and protected from light.

Use

In varnishes, paints, lacquer; for restoration of oil paintings. As frangrance or odor fixative in soaps, shampoo, lotions, perfumes.