BALSAM

Question 1

What is balsam

Answer 1

It is a resin and it is naturally occurring
Therefore balsam can be defined as a naturally occurring resinous exudate or sap formed spontaneously or by incision on specific types of trees and shrubs

Question 3

Balsam is from the Latin word

Answer 3

Balsamum meaning gum of the balsam tree

Question 4

Balsam is also from the Hebrew word

Answer 4

Basam meaning spice or perfume

Question 5

Balsam contains high proportion of

Answer 5

Aromatic balsamic acids like benzoic acids, cinnamic acids and their esters

Question 6

Characteristics of balsam

Answer 6

They are mostly viscous liquids
That are soft and malleable
Having thick consistency like Peru balsam and liquid storax
They harden and become thicker and solid over time like benzoin and tolu balsam

Question 7

What is the chemical composition of balsam

Answer 7

Aromatic balsamic acids
Alcohols and their benzoic and cinnamic acid

Question 8

How are balsamic esters formed

Answer 8

They are formed from the reaction of aromatic balsamic acids like benzoic and cinnamic acid with their corresponding alcohols with the removal of water in the presence of an enzyme e.g cinnamyl cinnamate, benzyl cinnamate, benzyl benzoate

Question 9

What are the types of balsam and their examples

Answer 9

We have
True balsam which are Peru, tolu, liquid styrax and benzoin
False balsam
Canada balsam
Egyptian balsam
Copaiba balsam
Gurjun balsam