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.
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.
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.
d2525 0.910-0.920; n20D 1.4560-1.4590; α20D ?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.
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.
Found in the leaves and branch ends of Thuja occidentalis L. (Fam. Cupressaceae).
As fragrance in soaps, detergents, perfumes.
An essential oil distilled from the leaves of Juniperus virginiana. Strongly dextrorotatory. Used in microscopy, perfumery, flavoring.
By steam distillation of the fresh branch ends and leaves.
Essential oil composition
The chief constituent of cedar leaf oil is d-a-thujone
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.
