Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The heartwood of certain forest species contains high concentrations of valuable extractives that can be isolated through simple aqueous extraction and crystallization processes.
Step 2: Detailed Explation:
Acacia catechu (commonly known as Khair) is a deciduous, thorny tree belonging to the family Fabaceae.
Its dark red heartwood is rich in polyphenolic compounds.
When chips of this heartwood are boiled in water, a dark, concentrated decoction is formed.
Upon cooling and filtration, two distinct, valuable products are obtained:
1. Katha: This is the crystallized precipitate, which is rich in catechin.
It is highly valued for its astringent properties and is widely used in traditiol betel leaf (pan) preparations.
2. Cutch: This is the dark, non-crystalline residue remaining in the filtrate, which is rich in catechutannic acid.
It is used in industrial applications for tanning leather, dyeing fishing nets, and as an additive in oil drilling muds.
In comparison, lac is an insect secretion; turpentine and rosin are obtained from pine resin; and pyrethrum is derived from chrysanthemum flowers.
Step 3: Fil Answer
Thus, Katha and Cutch are the two primary products extracted from the heartwood of Acacia catechu.