Resins – Benzoin MCQs With Answer: This concise introduction covers benzoin resin, a balsamic exudate important in pharmacognosy and formulation science for B.Pharm students. Learn botanical sources (Styrax species), major types (Siam and Sumatra benzoin), principal constituents (benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives), collection by tapping, and key physicochemical and therapeutic properties. Understand common uses — fixation in perfumery, topical antiseptic/protectant and inhalation expectorant — plus pharmacopoeial standards, common adulterants and basic laboratory identification. These focused points prepare you for practical exams, formulation decisions and identification tests. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which botanical family does benzoin-producing Styrax belong to?
- Styracaceae
- Myrtaceae
- Fabaceae
- Asteraceae
Correct Answer: Styracaceae
Q2. The two main commercial types of benzoin are commonly known as:
- Siam and Sumatra benzoin
- Bengal and Java benzoin
- Persian and Arabian benzoin
- Andean and Amazon benzoin
Correct Answer: Siam and Sumatra benzoin
Q3. What are the principal chemical constituents of benzoin resin?
- Benzoic acid and cinnamic acid derivatives
- Salicylic acid and tannins
- Alkaloids and glycosides
- Saponins and flavonoids
Correct Answer: Benzoic acid and cinnamic acid derivatives
Q4. How is benzoin resin primarily collected from the plant?
- By tapping the bark to collect exudate
- By cold-pressing the leaves
- By solvent extraction of roots
- By steam distillation of flowers
Correct Answer: By tapping the bark to collect exudate
Q5. Which statement best describes the physical appearance of crude benzoin resin?
- Brown to reddish brittle, amorphous lumps with aromatic odor
- White crystalline powder with no odor
- Clear oily liquid with a camphor-like smell
- Green fibrous pieces resembling dried leaves
Correct Answer: Brown to reddish brittle, amorphous lumps with aromatic odor
Q6. Benzoin resin is most soluble in which solvent?
- Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
- Water
- Petroleum ether
- Glycerin
Correct Answer: Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
Q7. One of the main pharmaceutical uses of benzoin resin is as a:
- Fixative in perfumery and fragrance formulations
- Primary systemic antibiotic
- Synthetic analgesic
- Parenteral drug solvent
Correct Answer: Fixative in perfumery and fragrance formulations
Q8. Which type of benzoin is richer in cinnamic acid esters?
- Siam benzoin
- Sumatra benzoin
- Both have equal cinnamic esters
- Neither contains cinnamic esters
Correct Answer: Siam benzoin
Q9. The common commercial preparation “compound tincture of benzoin” is also known as:
- Friar’s balsam
- Spirit of frankincense
- Camphorated oil
- Benzoyl peroxide lotion
Correct Answer: Friar’s balsam
Q10. Topically, benzoin tincture is mainly used for which action?
- Protectant and mild antiseptic for skin and dressings
- Systemic anti-inflammatory agent
- Local anesthetic for skin surgeries
- Keratinolytic agent
Correct Answer: Protectant and mild antiseptic for skin and dressings
Q11. A common adulterant of benzoin resin in trade is:
- Rosin (colophony)
- Salt
- Starch powder
- Calcium carbonate
Correct Answer: Rosin (colophony)
Q12. The characteristic vanilla-like odor of benzoin is mainly due to:
- Aromatic benzoates and related compounds
- High content of alkaloids
- Presence of saponins
- Volatile simple sugars
Correct Answer: Aromatic benzoates and related compounds
Q13. Proper storage conditions for benzoin resin include:
- Airtight, light‑resistant containers at room temperature
- Open trays exposed to air and sunlight
- Freezing at −20°C
- Immersion in water to retain moisture
Correct Answer: Airtight, light‑resistant containers at room temperature
Q14. In respiratory applications, benzoin preparations are used primarily as:
- Inhalant expectorants and mild antiseptics
- Bronchodilators for severe asthma
- Systemic antivirals
- Parenteral mucolytics
Correct Answer: Inhalant expectorants and mild antiseptics
Q15. Pharmacopoeial quality tests for benzoin commonly include:
- Loss on drying, ash values and solubility in alcohol
- pH measurement in 1% aqueous solution only
- Melting point screening above 300°C
- Quantitative assay of alkaloids
Correct Answer: Loss on drying, ash values and solubility in alcohol
Q16. How does the chemical compound benzoin (α‑hydroxy ketone) relate to benzoin resin?
- It is a distinct chemical entity and not the same as the resin
- It is the major polymeric component of the resin
- It is produced by boiling the resin in water
- It is the only active therapeutic component of the resin
Correct Answer: It is a distinct chemical entity and not the same as the resin
Q17. Hydrolysis of benzoin resin commonly yields which acid useful as a marker?
- Benzoic acid
- Acetic acid
- Citric acid
- Ascorbic acid
Correct Answer: Benzoic acid
Q18. Compared to Sumatra benzoin, Siam benzoin is generally:
- Lighter in color and more fragrant
- Darker and less aromatic
- Completely water soluble
- Free of benzoic or cinnamic derivatives
Correct Answer: Lighter in color and more fragrant
Q19. Major therapeutic properties associated with benzoin resin include:
- Antiseptic, expectorant and fixative properties
- Hypoglycemic and antihypertensive effects
- Strong opioid analgesic activity
- Anticoagulant systemic action
Correct Answer: Antiseptic, expectorant and fixative properties
Q20. In formulation science, benzoin is often used to:
- Stabilize and fix volatile perfumes in topical preparations
- Act as a primary emulsifier for parenterals
- Serve as a preservative for sterile injections
- Replace glycerin in syrups
Correct Answer: Stabilize and fix volatile perfumes in topical preparations
Q21. When crude benzoin resin is gently heated it typically:
- Softens and becomes sticky
- Vaporizes without residue
- Turns into a crystalline solid
- Becomes fully soluble in water
Correct Answer: Softens and becomes sticky
Q22. A suitable chromatographic marker for benzoin identity testing is:
- Benzoic acid
- Palm oil
- Caffeine
- Ascorbic acid
Correct Answer: Benzoic acid
Q23. Which statement about benzoin origin is correct?
- It is a natural balsamic resin exuded from wounded bark
- It is a synthetic polymer produced industrially
- It is an essential oil distilled from flowers
- It is extracted from seeds by cold pressing
Correct Answer: It is a natural balsamic resin exuded from wounded bark
Q24. The plant part primarily responsible for producing benzoin is the:
- Bark (through exudation after tapping)
- Root system
- Leaf mesophyll
- Flower corolla
Correct Answer: Bark (through exudation after tapping)
Q25. Which storage precaution helps prevent deterioration of benzoin resin?
- Protect from light and moisture in sealed containers
- Keep continuously exposed to sunlight
- Store submerged in ethanol indefinitely
- Mix with oxidizing agents to preserve aroma
Correct Answer: Protect from light and moisture in sealed containers
Q26. From a pharmacognosy perspective, an important difference between Siam and Sumatra benzoin is their:
- Relative content of cinnamic versus benzoic derivatives
- Protein content above 50%
- Sulfate ion concentration
- Ability to dissolve in water at room temperature
Correct Answer: Relative content of cinnamic versus benzoic derivatives
Q27. Compound tincture of benzoin (Friar’s balsam) is commonly applied to:
- Skin around nostrils and dressings to protect and stimulate local circulation
- Internal mucosa by oral ingestion for systemic infection
- Intravenous injection as an antiseptic
- Ophthalmic surfaces as a lubricant
Correct Answer: Skin around nostrils and dressings to protect and stimulate local circulation
Q28. Which botanical species is primarily associated with Siam benzoin?
- Styrax tonkinensis
- Styrax officinalis
- Styrax americana
- Styrax alba
Correct Answer: Styrax tonkinensis
Q29. Benzoin resin is classified pharmacognostically as a:
- Balsamic resin (balsam)
- Fixed oil
- Volatile essential oil
- Alkaloidal extract
Correct Answer: Balsamic resin (balsam)
Q30. A simple qualitative identification of benzoin in the lab often relies on its:
- Aromatic odor and solubility in ethanol with characteristic residues
- Non‑aromatic taste and insolubility in all solvents
- Bright blue fluorescence under UV only
- Complete solubility in cold water producing no residue
Correct Answer: Aromatic odor and solubility in ethanol with characteristic residues
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
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