Characterization of the Chemical Composition of the Ester from Sumatra Benzoin Gum

Abstract

In this study the chemicals composition of the ester from Sumatra benzoin resin which is naturally occurring resins was investigated. A qualitative test was utilized to differentiate between Siam and Sumatra resins. The resin was subjected to alkaline hydrolysis first which was followed by solvent extraction process. The yield of the separated ester was found to be equal to 14.35% (w/w). IR measurements confirmed that the main constituents of the esters are cinnamic acid and cinnamyl alcohol.