CNSL

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is a dark brown viscous liquid present inside a soft honeycomb structure of the cashew nutshell and is a very important agricultural byproduct of cashew nut and cashew apple production, produced by the cashew nut tree (Anacardium occidentale). The shell of the nut is approximately 1/8 inch thick. Cashew nut shell liquid is the pericarp fluid of the cashew nut. Natural CNSL is a mixture of phenolic compounds with aliphatic side chains, and these are 70% anacardic acid, 5% cardanol, and 18% cardol.