Title: Guaiac
CAS Registry Number: 9000-29-7
Additional Names: Gum guaiac; resin guaiac; guaiacum
Literature References: Resin from lignum vitae, the wood of Guajacum officinale L. or G. sanctum L., Zygophyllaceae. Constit. About 70% a- and b-guaiaconic acids, about 11% guaiacic acid, related compds and guaiaretic acid, 15% vanillin, guaiac yellow, guaiac saponin (guaiacin). Use as clinical reagent for occult blood: R. H. Wilkinson, W. A. F. Penfold, Lancet 2, 847 (1969). Acute toxicity: P. M. Jenner et al., Food Cosmet. Toxicol. 2, 327 (1964).
Properties: Brown or greenish-brown, irregular lumps. mp 85-90°. Insol in water. Freely sol in alcohol, chloroform, ether, creosote, soln of chloral hydrate, alkalies; slightly sol in benzene, carbon disulfide. LD50 orally in rats: >5000 mg/kg (Jenner).
Melting point: mp 85-90°
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in rats: >5000 mg/kg (Jenner)
Use: Clinical reagent (blood or hemoglobin). |