Dictionary Definition
benzoin
Noun
1 gum resin used especially in treating skin
irritation [syn: gum benzoin,
benjamin, gum
benjamin, asa
dulcis]
2 used in some classifications for the American
spicebush and certain other plants often included in the genus
Lindera [syn: genus
Benzoin]
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Etymology
Compare French benjoin, Spanish benjui and Portuguese beijoin, all from Arabic (lubān-jāwī), incense form Sumatra (named Java in Arabic), the first syllable being lost.Noun
- A resinous substance, dry and brittle, obtained from the Styrax benzoin, a tree of Sumatra, Java, etc., having a fragrant odor, and slightly aromatic taste. It is used in the preparation of benzoic acid, in medicine, and as a perfume.
- A white crystalline substance, C14H12O2, obtained from benzoic aldehyde and some other sources.
- The spicebush, Lindera benzoin
Translations
resinous substance from tree
- French: benjoin
white crystalline substance
spicebush
Derived terms
Related terms
Extensive Definition
- "Benzoin" is also used to describe benzoin resin, which does not contain the benzoin described on this page.
Benzoin or 2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone or
2-Hydroxy-1,2-Diphenylethanone or desyl alcohol or bitter almond
oil camphor is an organic
compound consisting of an ethylene bridge flanked by phenyl groups and with a hydroxyl and a ketone functional
group. It comes as off-white crystals, with a light camphor odor. Benzoin is
synthesized from benzaldehyde in the
benzoin
condensation.
Its main uses are:
- photocatalyst in photopolymerization and a photoinitiator
- raw material for benzil by organic oxidation with nitric acid or oxone. In one study, this reaction is carried out with atmospheric oxygen and basic alumina in dichloromethane.
Benzoin is not a constituent of benzoin
resin obtained from the benzoin tree
(Styrax) or tincture
of benzoin. The main component in these natural products is
benzoic
acid.
History
Benzoin was first synthesized in 1832 by Justus von Liebig and Friedrich Woehler during the research on bitter almond oil, which was benzaldehyde with traces of hydrocyanic acid. The catalytic synthesis by the benzoin condensation was improved by the research of Nikolay Zinin during his time with Liebig.References
benzoin in Arabic: بنزوين
benzoin in German: Benzoe
benzoin in Spanish: Benzoína
benzoin in French: Benjoin
benzoin in Japanese: ベンゾイン
benzoin in Polish: Benzoina
benzoin in Vietnamese: Benzoin
benzoin in Chinese: 安息香