Isolation of (R)-(+)-Pulegone from the European Pennyroyal Mint, Mentha Pulegium

Students obtain, via steam distillation, pennyroyal essential oil that is analyzed by capillary gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. TLC experiments establish conditions for preparative scale purification of the major oil component via flash column chromatography. The terpene obtained, (R)-(+)-pulegone, is characterized spectroscopically, employing at a minimum mass spectral molecular ion and fragmentation patterns, IR, and 300-MHz ¹H NMR. Optionally, ¹³C and 2-D correlation NMR spectra can be utilized to enable unambiguous assignment of all C and H resonances. The project has been successfully incorporated into our upper-level advanced organic chemistry laboratory. The experiment provides opportunities for instruction in and experience with a wide variety of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Further, it centers on a plant and natural product well suited for the discussion of contemporary health care issues surrounding nontraditional/alternative medicine and herbal remedies.