Eucalyptus oil
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Description
An essential oil obtained from the dry leaves of several species of Eucalyptus trees (especially E. salicifolia, E. Dives and E. globulus) and each type of tree produces a slightly different composition. Most eucalyptus oils contain cineole as the primary component. Cineole is a water-insoluble liquid that has a camphor-like odor. Eucalyptus oil is also used for leather conditioning, as a textile lubricant, as a synthetic sperm oil, as an insect repellent and as a cleaner/deodorizer. Small amounts of the oil are added to cough drops and decongestants.
Synonyms and Related Terms
eucalyptol; esencia de eucalipto (Esp.); huile d'eucalyptus (Fr.); olio di eucalipto (It); cineol; cineole; cajeputol; piperitone
Risks
May yellow and solidify with age.
Physical and Chemical Properties
| CAS | 8000-48-4 |
|---|---|
| Refractive Index | 1.456 |
Resources and Citations
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 382
- Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
- The Merck Index, Susan Budavari (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Whitehouse Station, NJ, 12th Edition, 1996 Comment: entry 3840
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Eucalyptus." Accessed 7 Apr. 2005 .
- CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Robert Weast (ed.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, v. 61, 1980 Comment: ref. index=1.456 (cineol)