Analytical Investigation of the Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbons of Distilled Lime Oil (Citrus aurantifoliaSwingle)

Abstract The composition of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons of distilled lime oils of different geographic origin was analyzed in detail. Gas chromatography on capillary columns of varied polarity was employed for the optimal separation of the components in GC/MS. This led to the unambiguous identification of a number of sesquiterpenes. α-Santalene, α-amorphene, epi-β-santalene, β-sesquiphellandrene, 4(14),7(11)-selinadiene and (E)-α-bisabolene were confirmed as so far unknown constituents of distilled lime oil. 4,7(11)-Selinadiene was isolated in NMR purity and unequivocally assigned within the sesquiterpene fraction.