78 Report of Schimmel § Co. 1922. 



likely to keep in good condition for several years. As the cultivation of valerian is 

 no longer profitable enough, the Belgian farmers mean to continue it only, if better 

 prices can be obtained 1 ). 



Indian Valerian Oil. — Valerian root from the western spurs of the Himalayas 

 contains an essential oil, of which a sample was sent us recently. It behaved as 

 follows: — d 15 o 0.9361, « D — 34°6\ n D20O 1.48712, acid v. 37.3, ester v. 39.8, ester v. 

 after acetylation 69.1, soluble in 0.3 vols, and more of 90 per cent, alcohol, whereas 

 of 80 per cent, alcohol even 10 vols, did not suffice for dissolving the oil. The colour 

 was yellowish green, the odour strong and lasting. 



We were told that it came from Valeriana WaRichii, DC. 



Vetiver Oil. — We stated quite a new kind of adulteration in a Reunion distillate, 

 received some time ago. Among other substances, it contained glycerin acetate, an 

 admixture which we had not expected at first. The oil was conspicuous by its 

 properties: — d 15 o 0.9911, « D +6°20', n D20O 1.51862, acid v. 0.5, ester v. 43.5, not yet 

 soluble in 10 vols, of 80 per cent, alcohol. Comparing these figures with those for 

 normal Reunion vetiver oils (d 15 o 0.990 to 1.020; « D +22 to +37°; n D20O 1.515 to 1.527; 

 acid v. 4.5 to 17; ester v. 5 to 20; soluble in 1 to 2 vols, of 80 per cent, alcohol), 

 one sees at once that oil deviates the polarized light far too little, has too low an 

 acid value and too high an ester number, whereas the solubility is absolutely in- 

 sufficient. As these properties do not tally either with those of vetiver oils from 

 other sources (Fiji Islands, Seychelles), there was sufficient cause for suspecting 

 adulteration. Although we could not say anything definite straight off, we had to 

 refuse the oil. The supplier, most likely in France (we bought the article from a 

 middleman) was very indignant in consequence, but soon assumed a different tone, 

 when we let him know that we had meanwhile succeeded in proving the presence of 

 glycerin acetate in the oil. The following observation had shown us the way. The 

 part of the oil which was insoluble in 80 per cent, alcohol and the soluble part, after 

 having been separated off on adding water to the solution, were both lighter than the 

 original oil. It was therefore evident that the alcohol had also taken up a heavier 

 component which, as water did not separate it off, had to be soluble in water. It 

 was therefore natural to think of glycerin acetate, the presence of which could be 

 proved on closer investigation. It was recognized by its specific gravity (di 5 o 1.1654) 

 and the high saponification value (671.6). The quantity was 5 per cent. 



No doubt there was still another adulterant present, for the exceedingly low 

 rotatory power and the insufficient solubility are not fully explained by the above 

 remarks. Cedarwood oil probably had something to do with it, but we had no cause 

 for further investigation, as the oil was taken back. 



Oil of the roots of Viola odorata. — One of the oils formed by the decomposition 

 of a glucoside is, according to A. Goris and Ch. Vischniac 2 ), the oil contained in the 

 roots of the sweet violet, which was discovered quite by chance. At a place where 

 violets (Viola odorata. L.) grew abundantly, the authors noticed quite a strong violet 

 smell, although the plants had no flowers as yet. On closer investigation, it resulted 

 that the somewhat herbaceous and impure violet odour emanated from the fresh roots, 

 when rubbed. Fowl had scratched there, had thus laid the roots bare and damaged 

 them, which caused them to smell. In order to study the matter further, the authors- 



l ) Chemist and Druggist 94 (1921), 404. — 2 ) Bull. Roure-Bertrand Fils, April 1921, 3. 



