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BENZOIN
α-Hydroxybenzyl phenyl ketone = α-Hydroxy-α-phenylacetophenone = 2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone
CAS Number: 119-53-9
EC Number: 204-331-3
Linear Formula: C6H5CH(OH)COC6H5
Molecular Formula: C14H12O2 or C6H5COCH(OH)C6H5
Molecular Weight: 212.24
Benzoin is an off-white to yellow-white crystalline solid with an odor of camphor and slightly acrid taste.
When broken the fresh surfaces have a milky-white color.
Benzoin is a ketone that consists of acetophenone bearing hydroxy and phenyl substituents at the alpha-position.
The parent of the class of benzoins.
Benzoin has a role as an EC 3.1.1.1 (carboxylesterase) inhibitor.
Benzoin is a member of benzoins and a secondary alpha-hydroxy ketone.
Benzoin is a white crystalline compound prepared by condensation of benzaldehyde in potassium cyanide, and is used in organic syntheses.
Benzoin is an FDA-approved colour additive used for marking fruits and vegetables.
Benzoin is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax.
Benzoin is used in perfumes and some kinds of incense and as a flavoring and medicine.
Benzoin is distinct from the chemical compound benzoin, which is ultimately derived chemically from benzoin resin; the resin, however, does not contain this compound.
Benzoin is sometimes called gum benzoin or gum benjamin, and in India Sambrani or loban, though loban is, via Arabic lubān, a generic term for frankincense-type incense, e.g., fragrant tree resin.
Benzoin is also called storax, not to be confused with the balsam of the same name obtained from the Hamamelidaceae family.
Benzoin is a common ingredient in incense-making and perfumery because of its sweet vanilla-like aroma and fixative properties.
Gum benzoin is a major component of the type of church incense used in Russia and some other Orthodox Christian societies, as well as Western Catholic Churches.
Most[citation needed] benzoin is used in the Arabian Peninsula and Hindu temples of India, where it is burned on charcoal as an incense.
Benzoin is also used in the production of Bakhoor (Arabic بخور - scented wood chips) as well as various mixed resin incense in the Arab countries and the Horn of Africa.
Benzoin is also used in blended types of Japanese incense, Indian incense, Chinese incense (known as Anxi xiang; 安息香), and Papier d'Arménie as well as incense sticks.
There are two common kinds of benzoin, benzoin Siam and benzoin Sumatra.
Benzoin Siam is obtained from Styrax tonkinensis, found across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Benzoin Sumatra is obtained from Styrax benzoin, which grows predominantly on the island of Sumatra.
Unlike Siamese benzoin, Sumatran benzoin contains cinnamic acid in addition to benzoic acid.
In the United States, Sumatra benzoin (Styrax benzoin and Styrax paralleoneurus) is more customarily used in pharmaceutical preparations, Siam benzoin (Styrax tonkinensis et al.) in the flavor and fragrance industries.
In perfumery, benzoin is used as a fixative, slowing the dispersion of essential oils and other fragrance materials into the air.
Benzoin is used in cosmetics, veterinary medicine, and scented candles.
Benzoin is used as a flavoring in alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, baked goods, chewing gum, frozen dairy, gelatins, puddings, and soft candy.
Benzoin is the sap (gum resin) that comes from cuts in the trunk of trees that belong to the Styrax family.
Benzoin is used on the skin for ulcers, bed sores (pressure ulcers), cracked skin, and many other conditions.
Benzoin is used in small quantities in foods as a flavoring.
Benzoin resin is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax.
There are two common kinds of benzoin, benzoin Siam and benzoin Sumatra, that are obtained from different species of the Styrax tree.
Benzoin resin differs from the chemical compound benzoin, which is derived from benzoin resin; however, the resin does not contain this compound.
While benzoin resin is used as a common ingredient in incense-making and perfumery, it is also used clinically as a mild antiseptic agent in over-the-counter products to clean sores, cuts, wounds, and skin abrasions as tincture of benzoin, or benzoin in a solution of alcohol.
Tincture of benzoin solution is a topical adhesive agent used to provide tackiness and enhance the adhesive property of tape.
Benzoin is the sap (gum resin) of trees that belong to the Styrax species.
People take benzoin by mouth for swelling (inflammation) of the throat and breathing passages.
Some people apply it directly to the skin to kill germs, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding from small cuts.
Benzoin is also used topically for skin ulcers, bedsores, and cracked skin.
In combination with other herbs (aloe, storax, and tolu balsam), benzoin is used as a skin protectant.
This combination is known as “compound benzoin tincture.”
By inhalation, benzoin is used to treat hoarseness (laryngitis), croup, and other respiratory conditions.
In dentistry, benzoin is used for swollen gums and herpes sores in the mouth.
In manufacturing, benzoin is used in making pharmaceutical drugs.
Benzoin is an industrially important chemical that is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of different chemical additives, dyestuff, pharmaceuticals and also as a photoinitiator.
Benzoin may be used as a photoinitiator in the synthesis of biocompatible and degradable hydrogels based on 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylates and gelatin via combined microwave-assisted and photo-polymerization technique.
Sumatran benzoin is a resin produced by Styrax trees, managed in forest gardens in the highlands of North Sumatra.
The Benzoin resin is used in incense, perfume and pharmaceutical preparations and as a flafouring agent.
Trade with foreign countries has existed for over a millennium, first with China and later with Arab and Europe.
The economic and cultural roles of benzoin have undergone major changes in the last few decades.
Previously benzoin gardening was considered a high status activity which generated high incame and made farmer proud.
Nowadays some villages have abandoned the practices as other more profitable cash crops have displaced benzoin as an income source.
The younger generations perceives benzoin cultivation as a backward activity, preferring to work in their annual crop gardens or for wages.
Nevertheless some farmers remain attached to benzoin as they recognize it as the product that gave life to their settlement and provided the means to educate generations of relatives.
From a conservation point of fiew, benzoin management represents low-intensity disturbance of the ecosystem and allows the effective accumulation of a forest species while maintaining the forest environment.
The value of compound tincture of benzoin as a healing agent in the treatment of indolent ulcers, bedsores, cracked nipples and fissures of the lips, the fingers and the toes has long been recognized by physicians.
Benzoin is a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax) of southeastern Asia used especially as a fixative in perfumes, as incense, and in medicine as an expectorant and skin protectant.
Benzoin is a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C14H12O2 made from benzaldehyde
Sumatra benzoin occurs in brittle masses consisting of opaque, whitish or reddish tears embedded in a translucent, reddish-brown or greyish-brown, resinous matrix.
Odour, agreeable and balsamic but not very marked; taste, slightly acrid.
Siamese benzoin occurs in tears or in blocks.
The tears are of variable size and flattened; they are yellowish-brown or reddish-brown externally, but milky-white and opaque internally.
The block form consists of small tears embedded in a somewhat glassy, reddish-brown, resinous matrix. It has a vanilla-like odour and a balsamic taste.
When gradually heated, benzoin evolves white fumes of cinnamic and benzoic acids which readily condense on a cool surface as a crystalline sublimate.
On warming a little powdered benzoin with solution of potassium permanganate, a faint odour of benzaldehyde is noted with Sumatra benzoin but not with the Siamese.
When an alcoholic solution of ferric chloride is added to an alcoholic extract of Siamese benzoin, a green colour is produced.
Sumatra benzoin does not give this test.
The BP/EP includes a TLC test for the absence of Dammar gum, a copal resin, used in the manufacture of varnishes and apparently derived from species of Hopea, Shorea and Vateria family Dipterocarpaceae.
Benzoin is a well established and reliable degassing agent for powder coatings.
During the curing of a powder coating film, the benzoin melts and chemically scavenges oxygen and promotes dissolution of gases into the resin to minimize bubble formation in the coating film.
Surface defects such as pinholes and other imperfections can be reduced or eliminated by incorporating 0.3 – 1.5% of benzoin into the powder coating formulation along with the other raw materials.
As with anyraw material, laboratory evaluation is required for each formulation to determine the best processing method and the optimum concentration of the additive.
Benzoin is a white, slightly water-soluble powder, C14H12O2, derived by the condensation of benzaldehyde in the presence of potassium cyanide, and used in organic synthesis.
Benzoin is a ketone that consists of acetophenone bearing hydroxy and phenyl substituents at the α-position. The parent of the class of benzoins.
Benzoin, also called Siam or Sumatra benzoin, is a large wild evergreen tree, native to South East Asia.
Benzoin belongs to the Styracaceae family.
The benzoin resin is antifungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and a mild expectorant.
Benzoin regenerates the skin and is an excellent healing agent.
At the psychic level, it is relaxing, reassuring and anxiolytic.
Benzoin is a natural resin that can be collected from two types of styrax trees: Styrax benzoin, native to Sumatra, and Styrax tonkinensis, which grows in Southeast Asia.
Although often referred to as gums, resins are slightly different, as they contain many more essential oils and are not soluble in water.
Resin flows off tree trunks when they're injured.
Benzoin's liquid but hardens with air exposure, like a bandage that protects the tree from disease.
Once collected, Benzoin can be ground into a powder or refined with solvents to make a scented extract called a resinoid.
Many properties are attributed to benzoin, especially when it comes to Benzoins comforting and relaxing aroma.
In cosmetics, Benzoin is said to soothe the skin and keep it healthy and firm. In addition, its thick consistency creates a thin protective film on the skin and hair, which helps prevent moisture loss and gives hair shine.
The Benzoin tree grows in tropical Asia, where it is also cultivated.
The natural gum is collected from deep incisions made in the tree trunk: it hardens on exposure to the air.
Benzoin is primarily native to Borneo, Java, Sumatra and Thailand.
Benzoin has astringent, antiseptic and Haemostatic properties Benzoin is very emollient and is able to heal wounds.
Benzoin may be applied in addition to conventional skin care and is also suitable for eczema, ulcers, pigmentation disorders and wounds.
Cracked skin also benefits from Benzoins effects.
In aromatherapy, benzoin is relaxing and harmonizing, but also euphoric and sensual.
Benzoin is a drug being used since the ancient times.
Benzoin is a common designation for resin obtained from a group of Styrax trees.
The chief constituents of benzoin resin are benzoin, cinnamic acids and their esters.
Benzoin is mainly used as a solvent for podophyllin and various cosmetics.
Benzoin posseses antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and barrier properties due to which it is useful for palmo-plantar fissures, vesicobullous lesions of the mucosae andas a skin hardener.
Benzoins adhesive properties are utilized to increase the stickiness of adhesive tapes and surgical drapes.
Benzoin is cheap, easily available and is a good option particularly in developing countries.
Benzoin processed into paint is traditionally used as a glossy polished covering on shellac surfaces or high-quality oil-varnished surfaces.
The pure benzoin almond offered here is obtained by cutting into the bark of Siamese Styrax trees and removing the exuded and hardened resin.
Benzoin is an aromatic resin of medium hardness.
Because of its agreeable, vanilla-like aroma, Benzoin is also used in the manufacture of perfumes, aromatic oils, incense and ointments.
In common with balsam of Peru and balsam of tolu, this is an oil – tapped from a tree (Styrax benzoin), after deliberately damaging the bark.
Benzoin was first described in the 14th Century; the Arabs called benzoin ‘frankincense of Java’, and it’s had a seriously long tradition of use in pomanders, pot pourri, incense and soaps. (Rather usefully, benzoin multi-tasks as an antiseptic and an inhalant, as well as a stypic, i.e. Benzoin actually stops minor wounds bleeding.)
Benzoin gives ‘body’ to many perfumes (it’s especially widely-used in orientals) and is sweetly seductive.
Benzoin is a gum derived from styrax trees of two botanical and geographic origins:
- Sumatra Benzoin comes from the Styrax benzoin tree and is widely used in the production of kreteks (Indonesian cigarettes);
- Siam Benzoin comes exclusively from the Styrax tonkinensis tree in Laos.
It is the sole source of Biolandes' Benzoin products.
Benzoin is an organic compound with the formula PhCH(OH)COPh. It is a hydroxy ketone attached to two phenyl groups. It is alpha hydroxy ketone.
Benzoin gum, also known as benzoin resin and gum benjamin, is obtained from the benzoin tree, a shrub-like member of the Styrax genus native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. However, it takes some time to harvest.
In fact, the tree must mature for seven years before the resinous substance can be extracted.
Although the name benzoin gum continues to stick, it is technically incorrect since it cannot be classified as a polysaccharide.
In fact, up to 75% of the volatile oils in benzoin gum contain amorphous resins, with the balance being composed of benzoic acid.
Another clarification worth mentioning is that whether you call it benzoin gum or benzoin resin, it clearly differs from benzoin, which is a crystalline organic compound.
Other constituents found in benzoin gum include cinnamic acid, styrene, and vanillic acid.
The latter component is what lends benzoin gum its characteristic vanilla-like scent.
This quality doesn't translate to its taste, however, which is quite bitter and unpleasant in its raw form.
The exotic scent does make benzoin gum a fragrant addition to perfumes and incense, where it also provides fixative and preservative properties.
In fact, it is a common ingredient in fine Indian, Japanese, and Chinese incense, as well as in the Armenian incense papers known as Papier d'Arménie.
However, here again, some clarification is in order.
There are two basic grades of benzoin gum: Siam and Sumatra.
The former is used as a flavoring and fragrance agent.
There is also a sub-grade of Sumatra benzoin known as Penang.
The basic difference between them all is the amount of milky white resinous material it contains, as well as the amount of bark remnants.
Superior quality is determined by more of the first and less of the second.
So, from highest to lowest, quality is ranked in this order: Siam, Sumatra, Penang.
Although raw benzoin gum can impart a bitter taste on the tongue, small quantities are used as a natural flavoring in many foods, including beverages, dairy products, baked goods, candy, and various processed foods.
Benzoin is also used in the cosmetic industry as an additive to soaps, lotions, and various personal care products formulated for the skin and hair.
Benzoin can often be confused with some other substances, but it’s a sap that comes from trees belonging to the Styrax family.
There is a particular substance that is called Siam benzoin, which is not used for any type of medicinal or healing properties, so it’s important to understand the distinction.
When a dog balm consists of all natural ingredients, benzoin can be a great asset.
Benzoin can be used to help heal cuts and abrasions and to fight off germs.
Benzoin can also be effective to some degree at reducing swelling.
Benzoin is a balsamic resin that exudes from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax, native to Southeastern Asia and the East Indies.
The balsam is harvested by making incisions in the bark and is produced in two main varieties, Siam and Sumatra.
Benzoin Sumatra is extracted from Styrax benzoin and Styrax paralleoneurus, which are native to the island of Sumatra.
Benzoin Siam is obtained from Styrax tonkinensis, which grows in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Extracts can also be obtained from the balsamic resins.
Loban or Gum Benzoin is a fragrant balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax.
Crystals of Loban are burnt in places of worship throughout the Indian sub-continent for the holy, sanctified atmosphere the smoke creates.
The Gum Benzoin tree (Styrax benzoin) is native to the tropical reaches of Java, Sumatra and Thailand.
The resin, also called gum benjamin, has a vanilla like aroma and is harvested by making triangular incisions into the tree's bark to establish a flow, which then hardens into lumps when exposed to air and sunlight.
Benzoin is used in the perfume industry as a fixative, slowing the dispersion of essential oils and other fragrant materials into the air.
The name "benzoin" is probably derived from the Arabic "Luban Jawi", which means the "Frankincense of Java", because it was brought from Indonesia.
When the Europeans arrived, "Luban Jawi" morphed to "La Benjawi", which soon became "La Benjamin".
Venetian traders substituted the hard to pronounce j with z, thus ending up with "La Benzoin".
Most Benzoin is now grown in Sumatra. In India "Luban Jawi" is widely known as Loban.
Gum Benzoin is a common ingredient in incense-making and perfumery because of its vanilla ice-cream like aroma and fixative properties.
Gum Benzoin is a major component of the type of church incense used in Russia and some other Orthodox Christian societies.
Benzoin resin is also used in blended types of Japanese, Indian and Chinese incense besides Armenian Paper.
Apart from being lit during pujas, the fragrant smoke of Loban serves as an excellent insect repellant and fumigant.
Also known as “gum Benjamin” and “gum benzoin” the Benzoin Resin is actually not exactly a “gum”.
Benzoin is used in incense making, flavouring, perfumes and for medicinal purposes.
A native of Java, Sumatra and Siam, this is also called “Siam benzoin” or “Sumatra benzoin”.
Benzoin has a sweet, vanilla-like smell, which makes it popular in China, India, Japan and many Arab countries as incense sticks.
Benzoin is used in aromatherapy for all respiratory related conditions including cough, influenza and colds.
The Benzoin Resin possesses antiseptic, diuretic and expectorant properties.
Benzoin is quickly absorbed when taken internally and acts as a carminative.
Benzoin is very effective for treating congestion in bronchitis, asthma and laryngitis as well as allergies.
Benzoin is known to melt away congestion with ease providing quick relief.
Benzoin is most effective when inhaled along with steam as a tincture of Benzoin.
Benzoin is also used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Benzoin Resin is beneficial for blood circulation, regulating heart beat and toning the heart.
Applied externally Benzoin provides relief for a number of skin problems such as itching, eczema, redness and irritation.
Melting Point: 279 °F, 137.0 °C
Density: 1.31 at 68 °F, 1.31 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: 5.27e-06 mmHg
Solubility: less than 0.1 mg/mL at 64° F
SOL IN HOT METHANOL; SOL IN HOT ALCOHOL; ACETONE /D & L-FORMS/
SOL IN PYRIDINE /D-FORM/
SOL IN WARM ALCOHOL & CARBON DISULFIDE; INSOL IN WATER
0.3 mg/mL at 25 °C
Solubility in water, g/100ml: 0.03
Uses & Effectiveness:
Minor applications of benzoin include its use as a glazing agent in polishes and wood finishes.
Benzoin is used on minor skin sores and wounds to protect the area from irritation and infection.
Benzoin is also used on canker sores in and around the mouth to protect them so they can heal.
Benzoin is also used to help relieve and soothe minor irritation of the nose, throat, and airways (e.g., laryngitis, croup) when it is mixed with hot water and the steam is inhaled.
Benzoin tincture protects skin from irritation by forming a protective barrier over the affected area.
Benzoin is effective for ulcers, bedsores, and cracked nipples.
Benzoin is effective at helping to relieve issues in and around the mouth including cracked lips, inflamed gums, canker sores, and cold sores.
Benzoin tincture is also said to relieve certain respiratory discomforts when added to vaporizer fluids.
Benzoin can also be used as an adhesive for tape or bandages.
Benzoin tincture can be applied in the first-aid treatment of minor cuts and abrasions.
Benzoin resin has been used since Antiquity.
In ancient Egypt, Benzoin was used for its disinfectant and perfuming properties, during embalming or for burning as incense.
Benzoin appears in the first medical texts in Ancient Greece as from the 1st century AD, for its properties against lung infection and skin diseases.
Internally, benzoin can be used against coughing.
Benzoins skin properties allow it to be used on broken skin, and against acne and fungal infections.
-Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis).
-Canker sores.
-Common cold.
-Cough.
-Cracked skin.
-Croup.
-A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis).
-Cold sores (herpes labialis).
-Swelling (inflammation) of the voice box (laryngitis).
-Bed sores (pressure ulcers).
-Sore throat.
-Wound healing.
-Other conditions.
Urinary System- It's antiseptic property is good for cystitis.
Respiratory System- A tonic for the lungs .
Effective for colds and flu, helping clear congested mucus.
Also good for coughs, sore throat and loss of voice.
Muscular System-Good for rheumatism.
Skin-Soothing for conditions where there is redness, irritation and itching, such as cracked skin and chapped hands, chilblains and dermatitis.
A good remedy for wounds and sores.
Emotion-Calming and comforting for states of sadness, anxiety and depression.
Especially good for dispelling anger.
Effective against redness, irritation, or itching on the skin, benzoin's most popular use is in a cream to protect chapped skin and improve skin elasticity.
Since it is also a strong preservative, adding it to vegetable oil-based preparations delays their oxidation and spoilage.
Benzoin essential oil can be added to chest rub balms and massage oils for lung and sinus ailments, or use the tincture of benzoin to make cough medicine formulas.
Food & Beverages Industry:
Benzoin resin is used as a food ingredient to flavour baked goods, gelatines, puddings and frozen dairy products.
The Beverages industry also uses it in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Confectionery Industry:
Benzoin resin is used to flavour candies and chewing gum.
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Benzoin resin is used in an alcohol solution known as Tincture of Benzoin, which can be used as either a treatment for damaged skin or an inhalant.
Compound Tincture of Benzoin (CTB) is applied to skin before applying adhesive tape or bandages to improve the durability of the adhesive, and to protect the skin from allergic reactions.
Orthopaedists spray CTB onto skin before applying a cast to protect the skin and reduce itching.
CBT can also be applied to minor cuts as a styptic to stop bleeding and as an antiseptic.
CTB is also used by athletes to help toughen skin.
Plain Tincture of Benzoin is used as an oral mucous membrane protectant for mouth ulcers and cold sores, and can be used externally to treat skin blisters.
Benzoin can also be used as an expectorant and inhaled in steam to alleviate the symptoms of colds and bronchitis, although its usage as an asthma treatment is disputed.
Benzoin resin is also used in some veterinary products.
Candle & Incense Industry
Benzoin resin is used in the manufacture of scented candles.
Benzoin resin is also burned on charcoal as an incense and used in the production of scented wood chips, incense sticks and fumigating materials.
Benzoin is a major component of church incense, particularly in Orthodox Christian and Western Catholic Churches.
Other Industries
In the Personal Care industry, Benzoin resin is used as a skin treatment and cleanser.
Benzoin resin can be mixed with glycerine to moisturise chapped hands and to treat cracked nipples caused by breast-feeding.
Benzoin resin is also used as an ingredient in perfumes and lotions because of its sweet vanilla-like scent.
In addition, Benzoin resin is used as a fixative in perfumes, slowing the dispersion of essential oils and other fragrance materials into the air.
Scent of benzoin: It has a sweet, warm, vanilla like odor that is long lasting and makes it an excellent fixative.
Therapeutic properties of benzoin: Antibacterial, antifungal; seals wounds from infection; counteracts inflammation; decreases gas, indigestion, and lung congestion; promotes circulation; and is an antioxidant and deodorant
Pharmaceuticals:
Benzoin has well-established uses in both allopathic and traditional forms of medicine.
Several national pharmacopoeias - including the British, Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Swiss, Thai and US - describe specifications and tests for benzoin.
Some specify either Siam or Sumatra types while some include both.
The titles of the monographs in the French/Swiss and Italian Pharmacopoeias are Benjoin du Laos and Benzoino del Laos, respectively.
In the form of a tincture (i.e. a solution in alcohol) benzoin is used as an inhalant with steam for the relief of cough, laryngitis, bronchitis and upper respiratory tract disorders.
The British Pharmacopoeia (1993a) specifies the use of Sumatra benzoin in Benzoin Inhalation and Compound Benzoin Tincture (the latter known as Friars’ Balsam in the UK).
The US Pharmacopoeia (1994) also describes a Compound Benzoin Tincture, although it does not specify which type of benzoin is to be used.
In addition to the ingredients stipulated in the British version, another natural resin, tolu balsam (derived from trees of the genus Myroxylon in Central and South America), is included. The Swiss Pharmacopoeia (1995) describes a simple benzoin tincture using Siam benzoin (benjoin du Laos).
Other official and proprietary preparations contain benzoin.
These include lotions for the prevention and treatment of cold sores, and a Compound Podophyllum Paint (British Pharmacopoeia, 1993a) which consists of podophyllum resin (derived from the roots of the May apple herb, Podophyllum peltatum) and Compound Benzoin Tincture; this is used for the treatment of warts.
In most of these, Sumatra benzoin is used.
The Italian Pharmacopoeia describes Ondroly-A as a mouthwash for dental disorders; it includes benzoin tincture and menthol in its ingredients.
Fragrances:
In volume terms, the greatest use of benzoin - the Sumatra type - is for incense purposes.
Most commonly, small or crushed pieces of the raw benzoin in block form are simply placed on an open fire, either in the house or in the place of worship.
Benzoin is used by several of the major religions, including Moslems and Hindus, and in Chinese temples, and accounts for the fact that the Middle East, North Africa, parts of Asia and the Indian sub-continent are important export destinations for Sumatra benzoin.
Benzoin is also used in the Catholic and Orthodox churches and is often formulated with other natural fragrance materials such as frankincense, myrrh and storax (derived from S. officinale, the sole Mediterranean species of the genus).
The use of benzoin for incense purposes by the large Muslim population in Indonesia is impossible to estimate but could be great.
Benzoin is said to be especially used in Central Java for ceremonies requiring incense.
One other popular retail outlet for benzoin in Indonesia which involves burning it in the home employs modern packaging and marketing.
The user sprinkles pieces of it on an open fire to create a fragrance, either to fill the whole room or over which a woman hangs her hair (marketing is aimed at young women).
Extracts of Sumatra benzoin are used to produce fragrances for joss sticks.
Sometimes the fragrance formulation is traded internationally and sometimes the joss sticks themselves are exported.
India uses fragrances containing benzoin and other natural oils and resins in the manufacture of agar batti.
Although most imports of benzoin into Malaysia are of block benzoin for direct use as a source of incense, one fragrance compounder purchases benzoin extract for the production of joss stick perfumes.
A little benzoin extract goes a long way, however, and in the case of Malaysia, less than 100 kg of extract are purchased per year.
Flavours:
Benzoin’s principal role in foods is as a flavouring agent.
The presence of substantial amounts of cinnamates in Sumatra benzoin accounts for its use in the manufacture of chocolate flavours, since cinnamates are also present in cocoa and their compatibility facilitates production of the flavour and improves its properties.
The flavours are used in chocolate bars, ice cream, milk products, syrups and other products.
The level of incorporation in the flavour is around 0.1%, while the flavour may represent up to 4% of the final product.
Benzoin is used as a flavouring in baked goods, especially those containing vanilla or cassia, where it also serves to fix the other flavours and increase their spiciness.
Benzoin is especially popular in Denmark and Sweden for this purpose.
Benzoin is also employed as a glazing agent and tinctures of benzoin are used to confer a luster to chocolate eggs.
In syrups Benzoin is used to produce turbidity.
In Japan, where it is approved for use, benzoin is employed as a chewing gum base.
SYNONIMS:
BENZOIN
119-53-9
2-Hydroxy-1,2-diphenylethanone
2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone
Benzoylphenylcarbinol
Ethanone, 2-hydroxy-1,2-diphenyl-
Benzoin tincture
Phenylbenzoyl carbinol
(+-)-Benzoin
DL-BENZOIN
alpha-Hydroxybenzyl phenyl ketone
Bitter almond oil camphor
2-hydroxy-1,2-diphenylethan-1-one
579-44-2
alpha-Hydroxy-alpha-phenylacetophenone
Aerozoin
Phenyl-alpha-hydroxybenzyl ketone
Benzoin resin
Benzoin extract (resinoid)
NCI-C50011
Acetophenone, 2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-
Benzoin gum
NSC 8082
MFCD00004496
Wy 42956
Hydroxy-2-phenyl acetophenone
Benzoin, 98%
(+/-)-benzoin
2-hydroxy-1,2-diphenyl-ethanone
2-hydroxy-1,2-di(phenyl)ethanone
a-Hydroxybenzyl phenyl ketone
CHEMBL190677
CHEBI:17682
2-hydroxy-1,2-diphenyl ethanone
Phenyl-.alpha.-hydroxybenzyl ketone
Ketone, .alpha.-hydroxybenzyl phenyl
NCGC00091396-02
.alpha.-Hydroxy-.alpha.-phenylacetophenone
DSSTox_CID_144
DSSTox_RID_75397
DSSTox_GSID_20144
9000-05-9
DL-Benzoin; Desyl alcohol;(+/-)-2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone
Benzoin Siam
Bitter-almond-oil camphor
CCRIS 75
CAS-119-53-9
Tincture of benzoin
(RS)-Benzoin
FEMA No. 2132
HSDB 384
GUM BENZOIN
Ketone, alpha-hydroxybenzyl phenyl
EINECS 204-331-3
EINECS 209-441-5
Fenyl-alpha-hydroxybenzylketon [Czech]
benzoine
BRN 0391839
Fenyl-alpha-hydroxybenzylketon
WY-42956
Sumatra benzoin
Resin benjamin
Resin benzoin
Styrax benzoin
Benjamin gum
Benzoin Malasia
Benzoin Sumatra
Benzoin usp
Gum sumatra
Siam benzoin
AI3-00851
Benzoin absolute
Benzoin resinoid
CCRIS 9123
Gum Benjamin
Gum benzoin siam
Alpha-hydroxy-a-phenylacetophenone
8050-35-9
Benzoin gum, Sumatra
PhCH(OH)COPh
PhCOCH(OH)Ph
Benzoin resin absolute
Benzoin [USP:JAN]
Benzoin resinoid, Siam
PubChem20784
ACMC-20apg7
(1)-2-Hydroxy-1,2-diphenylethan-1-one
Benzoin, >=98%
(.+/-.)-Benzoin
UNII-UJZ8IA4D1U
WLN: QYR&VR
SCHEMBL145
UJZ8IA4D1U
UNII-GK21SBA74R
Benzoin (VAN) (8CI)
EC 204-331-3
Hyperabsolute benzoin, Siam
Persian balsam (Salt/Mix)
Benzoin, analytical standard
GK21SBA74R
Oprea1_687165
4-08-00-01279 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
MLS002152893
a-Hydroxy-a-phenylacetophenone
FEMA No. 2133
2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-acetophenone
DTXSID1020144
Fenyl-.alpha.-hydroxybenzylketon
SALICYLICACIDN-PROPYLESTER
BDBM22728
FEMA 2132
HSDB 1929
NSC8082
alpha -Hydroxybenzyl phenyl ketone
HMS3039I03
Phenyl-alpha -hydroxybenzyl ketone
.alpha.-Hydroxybenzyl phenyl ketone
NSC-8082
EINECS 232-523-7
Tox21_111126
Tox21_201888
Tox21_302790
ANW-17343
BBL011613
SBB012413
STK358785
AKOS000118894
AKOS016038141
Tox21_111126_1
2-Hydroxy-1,2-diphenylethanone, 9CI
CS-W020562
DB14020
MCULE-7039379354
NE10325
alpha -Hydroxy-alpha -phenylacetophenone
NCGC00091396-01
NCGC00091396-03
NCGC00091396-05
NCGC00256433-01
NCGC00259437-01
AC-11139
Benzoin, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%
BS-14748
SMR001224505
ST069353
DB-018065
B0079
B0222
Benzoin Zone Refined (number of passes:40)
Benzoin, purified by sublimation, >=99.5%
FT-0612530
FT-0626841
FT-0635908
FT-0635909
C01408
AE-848/06163047
Ethanone, 2-hydroxy-1,2-diphenyl-, (.+/-.)-
Q426819
SR-01000854680
J-004149
J-509605
SR-01000854680-2
Z57160197
F0001-0307
Ethanone, 2-hydroxy-1,2-diphenyl-, mixt. with aloe, storax and Tolu Balsam, tinctureBoiling Point: 651 °F at 760 mm Hg, 344.0 °C
