Each plant has a mass of useful substances that can be extracted and used in various fields of human activity. Many have heard of coumarin, but not everyone understands that this is how this product turns out.
What is coumarin?
Coumarin is a fragrant substance that is found in tonka bean, yellow clover, woodruff and so on. Its formula is C in H at 0 2. The substance is obtained by extracting tonka beans with alcohol. Synthetically, coumarin is obtained from salicylic aldehyde. What is it - coumarin - figured out, but what does it look like and where is it used?
Appearance and options
Coumarin is formed in the form of colorless crystals with a bitter-burning taste, characterized by the aroma of hay. The product is slightly soluble in cold liquid, but quickly in organic solvents. The melting point is 67 ° C. Demonstrates a mild disinfectant. It is used most often in the perfumery and confectionery industries; coumarin derivatives are used in medicine. What is it - coumarin - is clear, but with derivatives so far there is no such certainty.
Coumarin derivatives
Coumarin derivatives are S-methylumbelliferone designed to preserve products from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. They are used against sunburn. Derivatives of this component (for example, dimethylamidocoumarin) are used to treat eczema or psoriasis on the face.
Coumarin Properties Needed for Cosmetology
Coumarin used in cosmetology has the following properties:
- Aromatic. The substance captures aromas, therefore they add it to perfumes to fix dry notes. The component is also valuable in that it gives a persistent, soft and sweetish smell that gives the cosmetics notes of cinnamon and vanilla. Coumarin activates the performance of skin cells. The product is included in the composition due to the sweetish-bitter notes. In combination with lavender and moss, coumarin forms a woody-grassy plume, and it is often added to the composition of aromatic perfumes. In cosmetics, the product is an imitation of butter, coconut, caramel.
- Tonic. The component is added to the composition of massage oils for the body, because it demonstrates a stimulating and tonic effect. He proved himself effectively in the anti-cellulite series. In medicine, the substance is used as an antispasmodic and to prevent the formation of blood clots. Coumarin corrects the activity of the coagulation factor, another product is used as a masking element when creating medicines.
What is it - coumarin - found out, but in what cosmetics does it occur?
What are the coumarin products?
Products are found in the following cosmetics:
- perfumes;
- deodorants;
- soap;
- bath oils;
- creams, masks for the body and face;
- shower gels, bath foams;
- massage oils.
Cosmetics that contain coumarin are always stored away from direct sunlight.
When should you not use funds with coumarin?
Means that contain coumarin lactone (essential oil) should be excluded:
- during pregnancy;
- with a peptic ulcer;
- with increased sensitivity of the dermis.
Historical summary
Who managed to isolate coumarin for the first time? What is it, learned in 1822 the English chemist William Perkin. He was the first to isolate coumarin from tonka bean - these are the fruits of the evergreen dipterix tree. For a long time, indigenous people used coumarin crystals, which appeared on the surface of dried tree fruits, in magic rituals. The crystals caused hallucinations, euphoria, attributed to them even hypnotic qualities and considered this product the strongest aphrodisiac.
Europeans used coumarin as an aromatic additive for tobacco, as well as a moth remedy. In 1882, perfumer Paul Parke created the first aromatic perfume using coumarin. It was a Fougere Royale from Houbigant.
Initially, the fragrance was conceived as feminine, but men were more interested in it. Russian Emperor Alexander III really liked the fragrance, and he made the Houbigant perfume house a supplier of the yard. Since that time, coumarin is usually part of the men's series of perfumes.
For a long time there has been discussion about whether coumarin is harmful to health. The European Food Safety Authority dispelled all doubts and concluded that coumarin is a safe component, and it began to be included in food.
How does coumarin appear?
The substance is not only found in the fruits of Diperix, it can also be found in the foliage and fruits of many other plants: cinnamon, sweet clover, aster, gerbera, chamomile and so on. This component is obtained by distillation using water vapor. As a result of distillation, colorless crystals form, they taste bitter, and they smell fresh hay. These crystals dissolve well in ethanol, alcohol, and even a little in boiling water. For industrial purposes, the substance is created synthetically - from salicylic aldehyde or acetic anhydride.