Page 34 - Pharmd general phytochemistry I-Final2024_LEUCTERS
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Aromatic alcohols:
Benzyl alcohol
Source:
Balsam peru, balsam tolu and storax.
Uses:
Benzyl alcohol is used in perfumes, also serves as an important fixative
(substance used to reduce the evaporation rate and improve stability when added to
more volatile components) and is used a general diluent of perfume mixture.
Cinnamyl alcohol
Source:
As ester in several volatile oils, gums, balsam and
resin.
Uses:
Used in the perfumes, cosmetics, soap industries, it serves as excellent
fixative.
Determination of alcohol content in volatile oils:
Generally, the total alcohols (1ry and 2ry alcohols) present in any given oil
are determined by ester (acetyl) formation, then determining the
saponification value of the acetylated product.
Determination of 3ry alcohols:
Most 3ry terpene alcohols are decomposed or dehydrated when treated
with acetic anhydride, so special techniques are required:
1. Formylation method:
Using acetoformic acid. This method is used specially for the
determination of linalool and α- terpineol.
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