Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol (pronounced: yoo-ka-LIP-tol) is a natural organic compound that is a colorless liquid. It is a cyclic ether and a monoterpenoid.
Etymology
The term "Eucalyptol" is derived from the genus name Eucalyptus, a diverse genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, and the chemical suffix "-ol" for alcohols.
Description
Eucalyptol comprises up to 90 percent of the essential oil of some species of the generic product Eucalyptus oil, hence the common name of the compound. It is also found in camphor laurel, bay leaves, tea tree, sweet basil, wormwood, rosemary, common sage, and other aromatic plant foliage. Eucalyptol with a purity from 99.6 to 99.8 percent can be obtained in large quantities by fractional distillation of eucalyptus oil.
Uses
Because of its pleasant, spicy aroma and taste, eucalyptol is used in flavorings, fragrances, and cosmetics. Cough lozenges, mouthwash, and body powder are among the consumer products that can be found with eucalyptol included as an ingredient. Eucalyptol is also used as an insecticide and a repellent.
Related Terms
- Eucalyptus oil: An essential oil derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus trees, rich in eucalyptol.
- Monoterpenoid: A type of terpenoid, organic chemicals derived from plants, of which eucalyptol is an example.
- Essential oil: Concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Eucalyptol is a major component in certain essential oils.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Eucalyptol
- Wikipedia's article - Eucalyptol
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