Turpentine
| Turpentine | |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Turpentine |
| Chemical formula | C10H16 (approximate) |
| Molecular mass | 136 g/mol (approximate) |
| CAS number | [8006-64-2] |
| Density | [0.85-0.87] g/cm³ (approximate) |
| Melting point | < −50 °C (approximate) |
| Boiling point | 150-170 °C |
| Flash Point | 35 °C |
| SMILES | |
| Disclaimer and references | |
- For the band, see Turpentine (band).
Turpentine is a fluid obtained by the complex distillation of resin obtained from trees, mainly various species of pine (Pinus). It is composed of terpenes, mainly the monoterpenes alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Alternative names are wood turpentine, spirit of turpentine, oil of turpentine and gum turpentine. It is also known colloquially as just turps, although this more often refers to turpentine substitute (or mineral turpentine). Turpentine oil is obtained by boiling resin at 155 degrees Celsius in large tubs. It has a potent odor that is similar to that of nail polish remover.
Important pines for turpentine production include:
- Maritime Pine Pinus pinaster
- Aleppo Pine Pinus halepensis
- Masson's Pine Pinus massoniana
- Sumatran Pine Pinus merkusii
- Longleaf Pine Pinus palustris
- Loblolly Pine Pinus taeda
- Ponderosa Pine Pinus ponderosa
One of the earliest sources is thought to be the terebinth or turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus), a Mediterranean tree related to the pistachio.
Medicinal uses
Turpentine has been used medically since ancient times.
- Applied externally to the affected areas, turpentine is a highly effective treatment for lice.
- Turpentine can be mixed with animal fat as a primitive chest rub for nasal and throat ailments. Many modern chest rubs still contain some turpentine (e.g., Vicks).
- Internal administration of turpentine is no longer common today, though it was once the preferred means of treating intestinal parasites due to its antiseptic and diuretic properties.
- Drinking turpentine is extremely dangerous and can be life threatening. In addition, drinking turpentine is not an effective way to induce an abortion[1]
Industrial uses
The two primary uses of turpentine in industry are as a solvent and as a source of materials for organic synthesis.
As a solvent, turpentine is used for thinning oil-based paints, producing varnishes, and as a raw material for the chemical industry. Its industrial use as a solvent in industrialized nations have largely been replaced by the much cheaper turpentine substitutes distilled from crude oil.
Canada balsam, also called Canada turpentine or balsam of fir, is a turpentine which is made from the resin of the balsam fir.
Turpentine is also used as a source of raw materials in the synthesis of fragrant chemical compounds. Commercially used camphor, linalool, alpha-terpineol, and geraniol are all usually produced from alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, which are two of the chief chemical components of turpentine. These pinenes are separated and purified by distillation. The mixture of diterpenes and triterpenes that is left as residue after turpentine distillation is sold as rosin.
Turpentine is also added to many cleaning and sanitary products due to its antiseptic properties and its "clean scent".
Hazards
Turpentine is an organic solvent, and thus poses many of the same hazards as do other such substances. It can burn the skin and eyes, damage the lungs and respiratory system, as well as the central nervous system when inhaled, and cause renal failure when ingested, among other things. It is highly flammable.
References
External links
- Chemical Database: Turpentine (EnvironmentalChemistry.com)
- IPCS INCHEM Turpentine classification, hazard, and property table
- Gum naval stores: Turpentine and rosin from pine resin
- Turpentine produced in forced labor camps "Turpentine Camps" in the 30s and 40s aka "Debt Slavery"
- Florida State Archive photographs of turpentine camps and laborers
- Timber and Turpentine Industries