Chemical Properties
Cabreuva oil is a by-product of the wood-working industry processing the
wood of Myrocarpus frondosus Allem., a wild growing tree in Paraguay. It is produced
by steam distillation of branches or wood chips or sawdust. Cabreuva oil
is a light yellow, slightly viscous liquid with a balsamic odor, slightly reminiscent
of rose and sandalwood.
d
204 0.889–0.910; n
20D 1.482–1.488; α
D +2°to +8°(oils with a nerolidol content
of >80%).
The main constituent of cabreuva oil is (3S,6E)-(+)-nerolidol with
a content of >60%.
Although nerolidol is available as cheap synthetic intermediate today, cabreuva
oil is still produced as a source of natural nerolidol. Annual production in Paraguay
is 10–20 t.
