A Rapid Method for the Prefractionation of Essential Oils. Application to the Essential oil of Black Spruce [Picea Mariana (Mill.) BSP.]

Abstract

A rapid method for the prefractionation of complex essential oils, prior to the identification of their components, is described. The use of “hybrid” flash chromatography, developed in our laboratories, in a specially constructed, jacketed column, which permits the use of low boiling solvents, makes it possible to effect satisfactory separations through a single column rather than through multiple columns as in classical methods, and in a fraction of the time required. The procedure enables a facile separation of hydrocarbons from oxygenated compounds and yields, in some instances, fractions of pure compounds. Enriched fractions of trace constituents are also obtainable for identification by gas chromatography. The method is rapid and inexpensive.