ESSENTIAL OIL OF LEPTOSPERMUM. 199 



characteristic of aromadendrene and eudesmene (see below 

 on the essential oil of Leptospermum odoratum). The 

 constants given above agree well with those for these 

 two sesquiterpenes. The sesquiterpene alcohol could not 

 be identified, although eudesmol was tested for. 



Phenolic Bodies. — Upon examining the alkaline liquor 

 used in clearing the crude oil for examination, a mixture 

 of solid and liquid phenols was obtained equal to about 2*5% 

 on the weight of oil. It distilled at about 170 - 190° C. at 

 10 mm. and had specific gravity at 15° 0. 1*127. Refractive 

 index at 20° C. 1*5405, inactive to light, and gave a charac- 

 teristic blood red colouration with ferric chloride solution 

 similar to that given by tasmanol. 1 



As the mixture consisted of both liquid and solid phenols, 

 the amount at disposal was too small to permit of separa- 

 tion and identification. 



The essential oil of Leptospermum grandiflorum consists 

 principally of laevo rotatory aromadendrene, eudesmene 

 (slightly dextro rotatory) and an unidentified sesquiterpene 

 alcohol, and is distinct from the oil of L. flavescens, the 

 chemistry of which will be communicated early in 1921. 



My thanks are due to Mr. R. T. Baker, Curator of the 

 Technological Museum for making available the facilities 

 of the Institution, to Mr. E. Oheel for his kindness in per- 

 sonally supervising the collection of the material, and Mr. 

 F. Morrison, Assistant Chemist, for assistance in working 

 out the composition of the oil and in helping in the collection 

 of the leaves. 



Leptospermum odoratum Oheel. 

 This species was described before this Society and given 

 specific rank by Mr. Oheel and a full description of its 

 botany is published. 2 



1 Baker and Smitb, "Besearch on the Eucalvpts," 2nd Ed., p. 396. 

 - This Journal, Vol. Mil, 122, (1919). 



