6880. Orris

Nomenclature

White flag.

Description and references

Rhizome of Iris florentina L., I. pallida Lam. or I. germanica L., Iridaceae. Habit. Northern Italy, Germany, France. Constit. Iridin, irone, ionone, resin, starch, volatile oil (butter of orris). Review: W. A. Poucher, Perfumes, Cosmetics and Soaps vol. 1 (Chapman & Hall, London, 1974) pp 287-290.

Derivative

Oil.

Nomenclature

Orris root oil.

Description and references

Constit. About 85% myristic acid; the odorous principle irone; methyl myristate, oleic aldehyde.

Properties

Yellowish-white to yellow, semisolid fatty substance; violet-like odor. mp 44-50°. Slightly dextrorotatory. Acid no. 213-222. Sapon no. 2-6.

Use

In perfumes and soaps. As dusting powder.