This dissolved part of the storesin and all of the free cinnamic acid. The former was precipitated from the solution by carbonic acid gas, then the latter by hydrochloric acid. The residual storax was extracted with cold alcohol, the solvent distilled off, and the residue treated with hot petroleum-ether, which dissolved styracin and the other esters, leaving the remainder of storesin undissolved. Storax usually yields between 6 and 12 per cent of the acid, but Loewe obtained as much as 23 per cent. It forms shining, odorless crystals of an aromatic, somewhat acrid taste, soluble in hot water, alcohol, and ether.
Oxidizers convert it into benzaldehyde and benzoic acid.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. In fact the uses of storax are very similar to those of the latter balsam. Combined with tallow or lard, it forms a valuable application in many forms of cutaneous disease , especially those common to children, as ringworm, tinea, ringworm of the scalp, scabies , etc. It forms a good application for ulcerations , the result of freezing the fingers or toes. The dose of storax is from 10 to 20 grains, gradually increased.