Nomenclature
Indian oil of verbena; Indian melissa oil. Description and references
Volatile oil from Cymbopogon (Andropogon)
citratus (DC.) Stapf, and of C. flexuosus (Nees)
Stapf, Gramineae. Constit. 75-85% citral; methylheptenone,
citronellal, geraniol, limonene, dipentene.
Properties
Reddish-yellow or brownish-red liquid; strong
odor of verbena. d1515 0.895-0.908 (0.878-0.882 of West Indian oil). αD -3°. nD20 1.483-1.489. Slightly sol in water; sol in 3 vols 70% alcohol; sol in chloroform,
ether. Keep well closed, cool and protected
from light.Use
As source of citral (synthesis of vitamin A) and
in perfumery.