SAXDARAC. 57 



The resin lies in oval schizogenous passages which are 

 from three to six in number and are situated in the paren- 

 chyma of the inner bark. While in the plant the resin 

 is comparatively fluid, containing ethereal oils, these 

 evaporate readily upon exposure and thus the resin 

 hardens. 



The resin is collected from natural and artificial open- 

 ings in the bark, and occurs in various tear-shaped pieces, 

 elongated, cylindrical, pear-shaped to spherical. The 

 longer pieces are sometimes 2 to 3 cm. in length and 5 mm. 

 in diameter. In warm weather the pieces are liable 

 to run together. 



In the finer varieties the color is yellowish, transparent, 

 with sharp, brittle, dusty fracture. This dust usually 

 covers the pieces, giving them their characteristic dull 

 color. Sp. gravity 1.04 to 1.09. It softens at 100° 

 C, and melts at 135° C, giving off an aromatic odor. 

 Inflammable at higher temperature. No ash. The 

 taste is bitterish. On mastication sandarac powders 

 and cannot be chewed. It is soluble in alcohol, 96 

 per cent., in ether, amyl alcohol, acetone, and ethereal 

 oils, like anise oil. It is less readily soluble in chloro- 

 form, €83. It is insoluble in benzol and petroleum ether. 



Chemistry. — It contains traces of an ethereal oil which 

 is little known. It contains two free acids, Sandaracol 

 acid, C.jH.jOjCOH) (OCH3) COOH, a white crystalline 

 substance with a melting-point of 140° C, and Callitrol 

 acid, Cg^HgPs (OH) COOH, which forms colorless prisms 

 melting at 248® C. Tschirch and Balzer* give the follow- 

 ing composition : — 



Sandaracol acid 85.00 per cent. 



Callitrol acid 10.00 



Water 0.56 



Ash o.io 



Impurities 1 .50 



Bitter stuffs, oil, etc 2.84 



100.00 per cent. 

 ♦ Archiv der Pharmacie, 234, 1896, p. 289. 



