6808. Oil of Patchouli

Nomenclature

Patchouli oil.

Description and references

Essential oil from leaves of several Labiatae species. The commercial oil is obtained from the cultivated species, Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. (P. patchouly Pellet. var suavis Hook. f.), Labiatae. Major constituent is patchouli alcohol, q.v., minor constituents include patchoulene, azulene, eugenol, and several unidentified sesquiterpenes: Pfau, Plattner, Helv. Chim. Acta 19, 874 (1936); Naoko et al., Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 40, 597 (1967). Review: E. Guenther, The Essential Oils vol. III (Van Nostrand, New York, 1949) pp 552-575.

Properties

Yellowish or greenish to dark brown oil, intense and persistent fragrant odor. Can be stored indefinitely. Odor seems to improve with age. d1515 0.975-0.987. [α]D20 -54 to -65.3°. nD20 1.5099 to 1.5111. Saponif no. 3.3 to 9.3. Ester no. after acetylation: 17.7 to 22.4. Practically insol in water. Soluble in ether.

Use

In perfume formulations to impart a lasting oriental fragrance, in incense, soaps, cosmetics. To scent fine Indian fabrics and shawls.