Turpentine, Rosin, and Fatty Acids from Conifers *

Rosin and turpentine, the traditional products of the naval stores industry, are established commodity chemical raw materials from forest conifers, primarily pines. Most important was the development and widespread use of the Olustee process that resulted in improved yields of higher quality turpentine and rosin. Both rosin and turpentine, as well as the degraded products of rosin, tars, pitches, and oils, are derived from the oleoresin in the wood. A primary effect of the implementation of lightwood technology should be to stabilize rosin and turpentine production against the chronic shortages seen in the past, and thus, secure current markets. The collected oleoresin, more commonly called pine gum, is then processed to rosin and turpentine. Resinous wood was heated in large retorts, producing charcoal in addition to wood turpentine, various pine oils, and tars. Specialty tall oil fatty acid products are also available. The needle oils of most American pine species, however, too closely resemble turpentines to command any special value.