— 92 — 



The oil thus treated with a bisulphite solution was then distilled 

 under 40 mm pressure and the fraction below 80° C. was collected 

 (240 gr.). The fraction so obtained after rectification by repeated distil- 

 lation over metallic sodium under 38 mm pressure, was finally distilled 

 under atmospheric pressure and the chief fraction was collected at 177°- 

 178°C. amounting to 95% of the fraction introduced. 



It has a density di5=0.8440, a™= + 61°42'. The fraction obtained is 

 tetrabromic. The identification, of dipentene in this fraction, was con- 

 firmed by it nitrosobromide (CioHmNOCI, m. p. 103°) and tetrabromide 

 (CioHieBr^ m. p. 124°-125°). 



After the removal of the greater part of the terpene, the residual 

 oil was hydrolised with alcoholic potash and by the subsequent examination 

 of the alkaline liquid, the pressence of acetic acid and a small quantity 

 of a lactone was proved. 



The relative proportion of the constituents is approxiinately as 

 follows : — 



Free acid (chiefly palmitic acid) 2.0% 



Aldehyde 15.0% 



Ester (as acetic ester of doHigO) 5.7% 



Free alcohol (CioHisO) 1.1% 



Terpene (chiefly dipenten) 77.0 



Sansho oil has a very agreeable odour and can be used in the 

 preparation of perfumes and perfumed oil; it is especially suited for 

 confectionery, the preparation of liquers, lemonade, etc. 



III. Essential oil of Sugi Leaves 



The Sugi is a coniferous tree, indigenous to Japan, and is extensively 

 cultivated through the Empire as a valuable timber tree. The wood is 

 most widely used and prized as a timber for building and in general 

 wood-work. The stems, leaves and roots contain essential oil. No study 

 hitherto has been made of the oil contained in the leaves. 



The green leaves of the Sugi (cryptomeria japonica, Don.) growing 

 in our institute at Meguro, Tokyo, weighing 87.4 kilogrammes in amount 

 was distilled with steam. This gave 612 grams of the volatile oil, equiva- 



