THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF DORYPHORA SASSAFRAS. '277 



a mere trace of aldehyde was obtained which proved to be 

 identical with heliotropine. 



Examination of lighter than Water Oil from Currowan* 

 The examination of this oil was similarly conducted, but 

 the amount of safrol present did not exceed about 30%, 

 whilst the camphor was present in about equivalent amount. 

 The latter on purification melted at 178° 0., and with 2*1114 

 grams dissolved in 10 ccs. absolute alcohol it had a specific 

 rotation of + 40'97°. 



A much larger fraction, equal to about 30% was also 

 obtained boiling at 248 — 255° 0. at 762 mm. It could not, 

 however, be satisfactorily separated into its components 

 as it appeared to form a constant boiling mixture of sesqui- 

 terpenes, eugenol methyl ether and alcoholic bodies. A 

 small fraction boiling at 250-253° C. on oxidation with 

 potassium permanganate solution yielded veratric acid in 

 good quantity of melting point 178 - 179° C, which tends 

 to show the presence of eugenol methyl ether. Very little 

 further can be done in this matter just at present until a 

 method is devised for separating this ether in a purer con- 

 dition. About 3*5% phenol was separated from the crude 

 oil with dilute sodium hydroxide solution, and the deter- 

 mination of its physical characters showed its identity with 

 eugenol. The benzoyl compound melted at 69-70° C. 



It may be mentioned here that the colour reactions 

 obtained with the eugenol from this oil varied according to 

 the conditions of the experiment. In alcoholic solution on 

 spot plate, the addition of one drop B. solution ferric 

 chloride solution gave a bright emerald green colouration. 

 When carried out in a test tube with very dilute ferric 

 chloride solution the usual violet colouration was obtained. 



In conclusion I have to express my thanks to Mr. F. 

 Morrison, Assistant Chemist, for his usual kindly assistance 

 in these investigations. 



