Page 83 - phytochemistry I - PharmD Clinical

Phenyl ethyl Alcohol

Source: Oil of geranium.
Users: Used in perfumes and cosemetics.

Determination of alcohol content in volatile oils:
Generally, the total alcohols present in any given oil are determined by
ester (acetyl) formation, then determining the saponification value of the
acetylated product (This for 1ry and 2ry alcohols).

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.

2- Use of diluent in acetylation method:
This method of acetylation makes use of a diluent (oil of turpentine,
xylene) in order to decrease the dehydrating effect of acetic anhydride.

3- Dehydration method:

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