The effect of physical factors on chemical composition of the essential oil of Eucalyptus citriodora Hook.: Leaves

The essential oil of the fresh leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora of Delhi region was composed predominantly of 1,8-cineole (45.2%), camphene (30%), alpha-pinene, linalyl acetate and ledol. When the oil was heated at I I VC for 24 hours, camphene (31.1%), 1,4-Cineole (37.8%), alpha-pinene (12.4%), veridifloral and 1-terpinene-4-yl acetate were the prominent constituents. Exposure of the oil to the sunlight for 48 hours and UV light for 24 showed percentage variation, slightly. Silica gel treat sample exhibited little variation in the chemical composition. Treatment of the oil with alumina neutral decreased the concentration of 1,8-cineole to 0.3% and occurrence of camphene and 1,4-cineole in 36.5 and 39.9 % yields, respectively.