Tetraclinis articulata Sandarac

Cupressaceae Juniper, Cupressus, Tetraclinis articulata (sandarac) Pimaradienic acids (sandaracopimaric acid), communic acid, totarol... 

The plants that exude diterpenoid resins belong to the order of conifers. Pine resins (from the Firms genus), Strasburg turpentine (from the Abies genus), Venice turpentine (from Larix decidua) were extracted from Pinaceae. Sandarac, juniper and cypress resins were extracted from trees of the Cupressaceae family Tetraclinis articulata, Juniperus spp. and Cupressus semprevirens, respectively. Moreover, labdanum resin from the Cistaceae family (Cistus spp.) also belongs to the diterpenoid resins. 

Of the Cupressaceae family, sandarac (from Tetraclinis articulata) has frequently been used as a paint varnish. It contains labdane compounds that account for the polymeric fraction of the resin (about 70%) [31]. The main monomeric diterpenoid present is sandaracopimaric acid, together with smaller amounts of 12-acetoxysandaracopimaric acid. Phenols, including totarol, are also present [31]. 

Sandarac. Light yellow conifer resin consisting of a mixture of terpenoid resin acids, especially pimaric (80%), callitrolic (10%), and sandaricinic acids (10%). S. is obtained from the bark of the North African sandarac cypress [Tetraclinis articulata (Callitris quadri-va/vis)].Mp. 135-140 °C, soluble in many organic solvents and turpentine oil. S. is used in the manufacture of special paints, polishes, putty, dental cement, and as a substitute for shellac (shellac wax). 

Sandarac originates from Morocco, North America and Australia and is exuded from Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast (Callitris quadrivalois Vent.). It softens at 100-130 °C and has an a.v. of 117-155. Solutions in alcohol have been used for generations as preserving finishes for fine paintings. The r. is a fumigant. 

---