6776. Oil of Bay

Nomenclature

Oil of Myrcia.

Description and references

Volatile oil distilled from leaves of Pimenta (Myrcia) acris Kostel., Myrtaceae. Constit. 40-55% eugenol; myrcene, chavicol, methyleugenol, methylchavicol, citral, l-phellandrene; total phenols, 50-65% by volume.

Properties

Yellow to brownish-yellow liq; pleasant odor; sharp, spicy taste; becomes brown on exposure to air. d2525 0.962-0.990. αD25 -3°. nD20 1.500-1.520. Insoluble in water. Very sol in alcohol, carbon disulfide, glacial acetic acid.

Use

Pharmaceutic aid (aromatic). Manuf bay rum.