Composition of a new essential oil type of <i>Lippia alba</i> (Mill.) N.E. Brown from Uruguay

Abstract

Abstract The essential oil of aerial parts of Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown cultivated in a small‐scale experimental area was analysed by GC and GC–MS (quadrupole). Twenty‐seven components were identified, corresponding to 93% of the total oil. The enantiomeric distribution of α‐pinene, sabinene, limonene and linalool was studied by multidimensional GC–GC. The major component was linalool (55%) with an enantiomeric purity of 99% for (+)‐linalool. Comparison with previous results suggested the presence of a new linalool‐rich chemotype for L. alba . Copyright © 2001 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.