6782. Oil of Cedar Wood

Description and references

Volatile oil from wood of Juniperus virginiana L., Cupressaceae, and other species of cedar. Constit. Chiefly cedrene (a terpene), and cedral (cedar camphor).

Properties

Colorless or slightly yellow, somewhat viscid liquid. d2020 0.940-0.950. αD20 -25 to -46°. nD20 1.495-1.510. Insol in water. Sol in 10-20 vols 90% alcohol; sol in ether. Keep well closed, cool, and protected from light.

Use

In perfumery; as insect repellent; the thickened oil is used in microscopy as a clearing agent and for use with immersion lenses.