Description and references
Volatile oil from leaves of Prunus laurocerasus L., Rosaceae. Constit. HCN, benzaldehyde, benzaldehyde
cyanhydrin, benzyl alcohol.
Properties
Pale yellow liquid; odor and taste similar to
oil of bitter almond. Poisonous. d2020 1.054-1.066. Slightly sol in water; sol in 2 vols 70%
alcohol, in benzene, chloroform, ether. Keep
well closed, cool and protected from light.Caution
Hydrogen cyanide,
q.v., component responsible for highly toxic properties.