What is a simple lab experiment to confirm the presence of turpentine?

  • Thread starter mishima
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses boiling pine needles in water and collecting a substance that may be turpentine. The speaker is unsure and asks for suggestions on how to verify if the substance is indeed turpentine. The other person explains that turpentine is a mixture and there is no simple experiment, but suggests checking for specific properties and mentions the high concentration of alpha-pinene in turpentine oil. They also mention that terpineol, which has a pleasant scent, can be created from turpentine.
  • #1
mishima
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Hi, after boiling some pine needles in about 200mL water and using a distillation device I believe, but can't be sure, that some turpentine was collected. What might be a laboratory experiment that could verify that in fact the substance is turpentine?
 
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  • #2
Check if those using turpentine don't have a definition what classifies as a turpentine. Turpentine is not a simple compound, rather a mixture, so there is no simple experiment, I expect some set of properties that have to be meet.
 
  • #3
Turpentine oil contains mostly (70 to 80%) alpha-pinene. It is relatively easy to transform it into terpineol which has a nice lilac odor.
 

1. What is turpentine?

Turpentine is a colorless, flammable liquid that is commonly used as a solvent and paint thinner.

2. How can I identify turpentine?

Turpentine has a distinct odor that is often described as being similar to the smell of pine trees. It also has a low viscosity and evaporates quickly.

3. What are the common uses of turpentine?

Turpentine is commonly used as a solvent for oil-based paints, varnishes, and other coatings. It is also used as a thinner for oil-based paints and as a cleaning agent for brushes and other painting tools.

4. Is turpentine toxic?

Turpentine can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. It is important to use caution when handling turpentine and to follow proper safety precautions, such as using it in a well-ventilated area and avoiding direct contact with skin.

5. Can turpentine be used as a natural remedy?

Turpentine has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including as a natural remedy for respiratory issues and as an antibacterial agent. However, it is important to note that using turpentine for these purposes is not scientifically supported and can be dangerous if not used properly.

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