Title: Copaiba
CAS Registry Number: 8001-61-4
Synonyms: Balsam copaiba; balsam capivi; Jesuit's balsam
Literature 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 Type: Volatile oil
CAS Registry Number: 8013-97-6
Synonyms: Oil of copaiba
Literature References: Obtained by steam distillation of the oleoresin.
Constit. Highly variable, chiefly b-caryophyllene, b-bisabolene, a-copaene, a-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.
Boiling point: bp 250-275°
Optical Rotation: Rotation -7 to -33°
Index of refraction: nD20 1.493-1.500
Density: d2525 0.880-0.907
Use: In varnishes, paints, lacquer; for restoration of oil paintings. As frangrance or odor fixative in soaps, shampoo, lotions, perfumes.
