Eucalyptus maculata citriodora, ext.

Preparation

It was obtained from the leaves and terminal branches of Eucalyptus citriodora, W.J. Hooker, a plant in the Myrtaceae family, by steam distillation.

Description

Eucalyptus Citriodora Leaf/Twig Water is the aqueous solution of the steam distillates obtained from the leaves and twigs of Eucalyptus citriodora, Myrtaceae.

Chemical Properties

E. citriodora oil is obtained by steam distillation of leaves and terminal branches of E. citriodora Hook (lemon-scented gum). It is an almost colorless, pale yellow, or greenish-yellow liquid with a citronellal-like odor.
d²⁰₂₀ 0.860–0.870; n²⁰_D 1.4500–1.4560; α²⁰_D 1 ° to +3 °; content of carbonyl compounds calculated as citronellal: min. 70%; content of citronellal by GC: min. 75%.
In addition to the main component, rac-citronellal, the oil contains citronellol and isopulegol (5–10% each).
Young E. citriodora trees that are grown exclusively for essential oil production are cut back to a height of 1–1.50m and develop into shrubs.The leaves can be harvested throughout the year; more than 200 kg of oil can be obtained per hectare.
Worldwide production of E. citriodora oil amounts to ～1000 t/yr.Themain producers are China and Brazil. Smaller quantities come from India, Vietnam, and Paraguay. In Brazil, the oil is a by-product of commercial forestry; E. citriodora wood serves as an energy source for steel production. E. citriodora oil is a starting material for the manufacture of citronellal and products derived from it. It is also used in perfumery for the same purposes as citronellal.

Uses

Citronellol and geraniol can be isolated separately from Eucalyptus maculata citriodora, ext. Citronellol is a raw material for the production of hydroxycitronellol and synthetic menthol, and can be used in soaps, perfumes, cosmetic fragrances, and also has medicinal uses, such as in the formulation of Ten Drops Water, mentholatum, and mosquito repellent.