Chemical Properties
The volatile oil obtained by steam distillation from the fresh leaves and branches of at least 15-year-old plants. It has a
strong, camphoraceous odor reminiscent of sage and a similar taste.
Chemical Properties
Pale-yellow essential oil; camphor-like
odor. Soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon disulfide,
fixed oils, and mineral oil. Combustible. Chief
known constituents: Dextro-pinene, levofenchone,
thujone, should contain more than 60% ketones calculated
as thujone.
Chemical Properties
Cedar leaf oil (Thuja oil) is produced by steamdistillation of fresh leaves and
branch ends of the treeThuja occidentalis L. (Cupressaceae). It is a colorless
to yellow liquid with a powerful, herbaceous odor, characteristic of thujone.
d
2525 0.910-0.920; n
20D 1.4560-1.4590; α
20D ?14 ° to ?10 °; ketone content
(calculated as thujone): min. 60 %; solubility: 1 vol in 3 vol of 70% ethanol at
25℃.
The oil is produced in the northern states of the United States and in
Canada in a quantity of 20–30 t/yr. It is used in perfumery for dry nuances
in citrus and woody compositions.
Physical properties
It is a colorless to yellow-greenish liquid. It is soluble in most fixed oils, in mineral oils and
propylene glycol. It is practically insoluble in glycerin.
Occurrence
Found in the leaves and branch ends of Thuja occidentalis L. (Fam. Cupressaceae).
Uses
As fragrance in soaps, detergents, perfumes.
Definition
An essential oil distilled from the leaves of Juniperus virginiana. Strongly dextrorotatory. Used in microscopy, perfumery, flavoring.
Preparation
By steam distillation of the fresh branch ends and leaves.
Essential oil composition
The chief constituent of cedar leaf oil is d-a-thujone
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by
ingestion and skin contact. A skin irritant.
Ingestion of large quantities causes
hypertension, bradycardia, tachypnea,
convulsions, death. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and
fumes. See also ARTEMISIA OIL.
