BAY OIL, SWEET

Chemical properties

See Laurel.

Chemical properties

The oil is obtained by steam distillation with yields between 0.5 and 1.0%; higher yields are also possible. The oil has a characteristic odor and taste

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae.

Essential oil composition

The main constituents include α-pinene, α-phellandrene, l-linalool, cineol (50 to 70%), geraniol and eugenol. The leaves’ essential oil contains terpenic hydrocarbons (α-pinene 1 to 7.66%, α-thujene 0.06 to 0.45%, α-phellandrene 0.12 to 0.55%, sabinene 4.4 to 6.52%, β-pinene 1.81 to 4.36%, myrcene 0.1 to 1.35%, δ-3-carene 0.15 to 0.29%, p-cymene 0.06 to 0.70%, γ-terpinene 0.21 to 1.51%, terpinolene 0.16 to 2.33%, α-muurolene, 0.22 to 0.89%), oxygenated derivatives (eucalyptol 34 to 53%, linalool 11.57 to 18.73%, terpinene-4-ol 0.92 to 3.78%, geraniol 0.05 to 0.18%, α-terpineol 1.46 to 2.47%, borneol 0.18 to 0.47%, nerol 0.10 to 0.50%, spathulenol 0.10 to 0.28%, α-cadinol 0.38 to 1.12%, β-bisbolol 0.30 to 1.38%), alkanyl benzenes (eugenol 1.44 to 2.03%, methylugenol 1.73 to 11.8%), esters (α-terpenyl acetate 9.54 to 18.02%, geranyl acetate 0.07 to 0.17%, linalyl acetate 0.29 to 094%, citronellyl acetate 0.09 to 0.24%, methyl geranate 0.48 to 0.91%, bornyl acetate 0.14 to 0.08%) (CoE, 2000).

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion.When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke andirritating vapors.