Soldering terminology

Also known as Colophony. Resin left after distilling the volatile turpentine oil from turpentine secreted by the trunks of coniferous trees. The main components are abietic and pimaric acids, although the composition varies depending on the plant species. Rosin is a yellow-brown crumbling substance that dissolves well in alcohol, ether and benzene, but not in water. It softens at 80 °C and melts at 90-100 °C. If the temperature is further increased, gases and pinolin escape. Around 60-80 % of colophony oil is distilled at temperatures above 230 °C. pinolin is used as a substitute for turpentine while colophony oil is used in lubricants.