C1795

Canada balsam

Mounting medium for microscopy

• Synonym(s): Balsam Canada
• CAS Number: 8007-47-4
• EC Number: 232-362-2
• MDL number: MFCD00132800
• NACRES: NA.47

Properties

• Quality Level: 100
• form: viscous liquid
• color: yellow to very dark yellow
• refractive index: n20/D 1.522 (lit.)
• density: 0.99 g/mL
• application(s): hematology; histology
• storage temp.: room temp

Description

General description

Canada Balsam is a natural mounting medium obtained from balsam fir trees. It is produced from the resin of the balsam fir tree and its use can be combined with xylene-containing specimens. The optical properties of Canada Balsam are nearly identical to those of glass. Specimens must be dehydrated before using this medium. Permanent slides mounted with Canada Balsam have been stored for over a century.[1]

Application

Canada balsam is used as a stable apolar hydrophobic mounting medium for light microscopy slide preparation, especially when long-term storage is desired. It is mostly applicable for cellular staining.[2][3]

Packaging

25, 100 mL in glass bottle

Safety Information

• Pictograms: GHS02
• Signal Word: Warning
• Hazard Statements: H226
• Precautionary Statements: P210
• Hazard Classifications: Flam. Liq. 3
• Storage Class Code: 3 - Flammable liquids
• WGK: WGK 2
• Flash Point(F): 102.2 °F
• Flash Point(C): 39 °C
• Personal Protective Equipment: dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves