Rosemary oil Usage And Synthesis

Chemical Properties

Rosemary oil is obtained by steam distillation of the twigs and flowering tops of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae). It is an almost colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic, refreshing, pleasant odor.

d2020 0.892–0.910/0.907–0.920; n20D 1.4640–1.4720/1.4640–1.4700; α20D ?6 ° to +8 °/?2 ° to +5 °; solubility: 1 vol in max. 3 vol 90% ethanol/1 vol in max. 2 vol 80% ethanol (Spanish/North African oil types).

The major constituents are 1,8-cineole (16–23%/38–55%), ??-pinene (18–26%/9–14%), and camphor (12.5–22%/5–15%) (Spanish/North African oils). Verbenone is usually a trace constituent in North African oils (0–0.4%), but occurs in Spanish oils in quantities between 0.7% and 2.5%.

The main producers of rosemary oil are Tunisia,Morocco, and Spain, with total ～120 t annually. Rosemary oil is used widely in perfumery and in large amounts for perfuming bath foams, shampoos, and hair tonics.