Galbanum Resinoid

#### Galbanum Resinoid. Galbanum resinoid is prepared from the crude galbanum (see monograph). Years ago, when galbanum was a hard, grainy mass or lumps, the resinoid was prepared in the conventional way, i.e. by extraction with a hydrocarbon solvent and subsequent removal of the solvent after filtration. Because of the significant water content in the lower grades of galbanum, it was necessary to use solvents which are not miscible with water. Acetone and ethyl alcohol could not be used. During the 1950's*, *it became more and more "conventional" to prepare resinoids in such a way, that they would be pourable, regardless of the starting material from which they were derived. This was done by the simple addition of a solvent to the evaporation residue (which is the pure, "100%" resinoid). The customer had the advantage of getting a more handy material; weighing and mixing was easier, etc. This dilution idea was further developed into more practical extraction methods: an odorless, colorless, high- boiling solvent (or "plasticizer") was added during the evaporation, and it was left in the finished product which was just pourable at room temperature. Various botanical raw materials called for different amounts of solvent to be added according to the viscosity of the "100%" (i.e. solvent-free) resinoid. The content of essential oil in the resinoid determines the viscosity of the solvent-free resinoid. In exceptional cases, where the content of essential oil is so high that the botanical material is almost liquid (a so-called "balsam"), the above method can be revised to a simple addition of a non-distillable solvent to the crude botanical material. This mixture can be filtered or strained and the "resinoid" is ready for use. Crude **Galbanum**** **can be mixed with a certain amount of diethyl phthalate, isopropylmyristate, isopropylpalmitate, diethyl sebacate or similar solvent under gentle heating. Water and dirt will rise to the surface, respectively fall to the bottom of the mixture. After filtration or straining, the dregs, etc. are usually extracted with a volatile solvent. The extract is filtered and evaporated. The residue is added to the above prepared solution of galbanum in an odorless solvent. Benzyl benzoate was used some years ago, but it contributes to the odor in an unwanted way. The plasticized resinoid is left aside for several weeks or months during which period a certain amount of precipitate will settle. Small amounts of water may also separate. The finished product is now soluble in all types of perfume materials, but not clearly soluble in diluted alcohol, propylene glycol or similar hydrophilic solvent types. The product should be labelled with clear information on the amount of solvent added, e. g.: **"Galbanum Resinoid**** **67%, in D.E.P." or the like. However, the "prepared" resinoids are usually sold under various trade names or they may often be used exclusively by the producer. The method obviously carries a certain hazard: The customer can no longer rely upon the viscosity of the material to evaluate the approximate content of essential oil. The oil can be partially removed— and it is so in many cases—or it can be replaced by other materials. The solvent acts as an odor- depressant, and it is difficult to evaluate the above "galbanum-solution" in comparison to a true resinoid (solvent-free), even if the supplier is willing to mention the exact percentage of resinoid and solvent in his product. Solvent-free galbanum resinoid is a semi-liquid, dark amber or brownish-golden material, almost pourable at room temperature. The odor is intensely rich-green, woody-balsamic, yet with a dry undertone, and it has the typical "green peppers" foliage-like note which is so pronounced in the essential oil (see monograph). The resinous, conifer-balsamic notes are very pronounced in the resinoid and in the prepared solutions. The resinoid is usually not clearly soluble in alcohol. Extracts of galbanum, prepared with ethyl alcohol as a solvent, are available. These "resin absolutes" are almost clearly soluble in alcohol. They are more or less "terpeneless" products of entirely different odor type: less green-sharp, more softbalsamic, rich, woody and very tenacious in odor. **Galbanum Resinoid **is an extremely interesting fixative with an odor of its own. It is useful in lavender, fougère, Oriental bases, chypres, pine fragrances, woody bases, moss odors, and in certain floral types. Its use in hyacinth is almost classic. Galbanum resinoid has the definite advantage over many synthetic "green-odor" materials in the fact that it mellows in almost immediately: it is possible to evaluate the result and the effect during the creation of the fragrance. Synthetic materials in this odor group often "grow" or "fade" in the perfume with a perceptible change in the odor of the perfume within a few weeks. The annual world production of **Galbanum Resinoid **is adjusted to the demand which has increased enormously during the past decade *(1950's).** *So far, there has been no shortage of this material.