2. Copaiba
Synonyms Balsam copaiba; Balsam capivi; Jesuit’s Balgar.
Biological Source Copaiba is the oleoresin obtained from the South American species of Copaifera (Copaiba) belonging to family: Leguminosae.
Preparation The oleoresin is collected by incisions made on the trunk of various species of Copaifera Linn., (a method similar to colophony described under Section 2.7).
Characteristic Features It is a transparent, viscid to pale-yellow to brownish-yellow liquid. It has a peculiar odour and bears a nauseating, bitter and acrid taste. Its acid number in 28-95 and d 0.930-0.995. It is practically insoluble in water, but soluble in benzene, chloroform, ether, oils, CS2, absolute ethanol, petroleum ether and partly soluble in 95% ethanol. It is incompatible with mineral acids, magnesia and water. Capaiba is found to contain a volatile oil, resin acids (e.g., capaivic acid and illurinic acid), besides a small quantity of a bilter principle and a fluorescent substance.
The major constituents of the volatile oil are cryophyllene, isocaryophyllene and that of the resin acid is β-metacapaivic acid as given below:
Uses
1. It is used in varnishes.
2. It is also employed for removing old oil varnish from oil paintings.
3. It is used in the manufacture of photographic paper.
