Use
Opopanax oil and opopanax resinoid are obtained from the resin of Commiphora
erythraea Engl. var. glabrescens Engl. or closely related species such as
Commiphora guidotti Chiov. and Commiphora kataf (Forsk.) Engl., trees growing
in Somalia (Burseraceae).The resinoid is prepared by solvent extraction, and
steam distillation of the resin gives the essential oil, which is a yellow to greenishyellow
liquid with a warm, sweet, balsamic odor.
d2525 0.865–0.932; n20D 1.488–1.504; α20D ?32 ° to ?9 °; acid number: max. 4;
saponification number: 4–20; solubility: 1 vol in 10 vol of 90% ethanol; solutions
are occasionally turbid. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as α-santalene,
(E)-α-bergamotene, and (Z)-α-bisabolene make up the main constituents of opopanax oil.
Opopanax oil and resinoid are used in perfumecompositionswith oriental characteristics,
the resinoid also for its fixative properties.