The determination of cedrol, and the total alcohol content of oils of cedarwood, by formylation

Abstract

The purity of cedrol, or the total alcohol content of oils of cedarwood, conventionally expressed as “percentage of cedrol,” is normally determined by the formylation method described by Glichitch, for which a reaction time of 72 to 96 hours at 20° to 22° C is used. The results of formylations at higher temperatures, by using gas-liquid chromatography for investigation of the products of reaction, are reported. It is shown that at temperatures not exceeding 45° C the formylation can be substantially completed in 18 to 24 hours without any loss of accuracy.