The oil is obtained by steam distillation with very low yields (0.05%) from comminuted leaves previously treated with
water. The water triggers the enzymatic hydrolysis of the glucoside (prulaurasin), yielding hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde. The
oil used by the food industry must be free of hydrogen cyanide. It exhibits a pronounced odor of benzaldehyde.
It is an almost colorless liquid. Slightly soluble in water; soluble in 2 volumes of 70% alcohol,
in benzene, chloroform or ether.
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Prunus laurocerasus, Rosaceae.
