Urushiol

Urushiol
R = (CH₂)₁₄CH₃ or R = (CH₂)₇CH=CH(CH₂)₅CH₃ or R = (CH₂)₇CH=CHCH₂CH=CH(CH₂)₂CH₃ or R = (CH₂)₇CH=CHCH₂CH=CHCH=CHCH₃ or R = (CH₂)₇CH=CHCH₂CH=CHCH₂CH=CH₂ and others

Urushiol /ʊˈruːʃi.ɒl/ is an oily organic allergen found in plants of the family Anacardiaceae, especially Toxicodendron spp. (e.g., poison oak, Lacquer Tree, poison ivy, poison sumac) and also in parts of the mango tree .

In most individuals, urushiol causes an allergic skin rash on contact, known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.

The name urushiol is derived from the Japanese word for the lacquer tree, Toxicodendron vernicifluum (漆, urushi^?). The oxidation and polymerization of urushiol in the tree's sap in the presence of moisture allows it to form a hard lacquer, which is used to produce traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese lacquerware.