Storax

Storax is a member of the group of substances known as balsams, and is obtained as a thick brown liquid from incisions in the bark of Liquidambar orientalis. It possesses a peculiar sweet odour, and consists chiefly of cinnamic acid together with certain derived compounds and a hydro-carbon C₈H₈ known as styrolene, and is used as a source of this latter compound and of the cinnamic acid. It is used in perfumery and is also employed to a small extent, medicinally, as an expectorant, and in the form of an ointment, as a detergent. About 10 tons are exported annnally from Smyrna. It was formerly obtained from Styrax officinale.