Title: Oil of Lemon Grass
Additional Names: Indian oil of verbena; Indian melissa oil
Literature 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). aD -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.
Optical Rotation: aD -3°
Index of refraction: nD20 1.483-1.489
Density: d1515 0.895-0.908 (0.878-0.882 of West Indian oil)
Use: As source of citral (synthesis of vitamin A) and in perfumery. |