Enantiomeric composition of the principal components of the oil of Melaleuca alternifolia

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Title: Enantiomeric composition of the principal components of the oil of Melaleuca alternifolia
Author(s): Leach, David N.; Wyllie, S. Grant; Hall, Jon G.; Kyratzis, Ilias
Abstract: The concentrations and enantiomeric purity of the major monoterpene constituents in a number of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oils have been determined by enantioselective gas chromatography. Consistent enantiomeric ratios of 65:35 (+:-) for terpinen-4-01 and 76:24 (+:-) for alpha-terpineol were observed for the range of oils analyzed. Attempts to validate these ratios in the intact oil by 1H NMR together with chiral lanthanide shift reagents have not yet been successful. 1H NMR was, however, successful in confirming the enantiomeric purity determined by gas chromatography of standard terpinen-4-01 [79:21 (+:-)] and alpha-terpineol [35:65 (+:-)] samples. Under the correct conditions, a single analysis on a beta-cyclodextrin column enables the determination of the quality of the oil as set forth by the Australian standard and provides additional enantiomeric evidence of the authenticity of the oil.
Publication type: Journal article
Research centre: Swinburne University of Technology
Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 41, no. 10 (Oct 1993), pp. 1627-1632
Publication year: 1993
FOR Code(s): 03 Chemical Sciences; 07 Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences; 09 Engineering
Keyword(s): Enantiomeric composition; Melaleuca alternifoli oils; Tea tree oils
Publisher: American Chemical Society
ISSN: 0021-8561
Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf00034a020
Peer reviewed