GC/MS Analysis of the Volatile Constituents of the Essential Oils of Pituranthos scoparius (Coss et Dur.) Benth. et Hook, from Algeria

Abstract

The essential oils from twigs and seeds of Pituranthos scoparius (Coss et Dur.) Benth. et Hook. (Umbelliferae) obtained by hydrodistillation, were analyzed by GC/MS. From the two oils, 150 and 50 mass spectra were recorded, respectively. Approximately, 94 compounds were identified including 34 hydrocarbons (4 aromatic, 12 monoterpene, 18 sesquiterpene), 2 oxides, 8 aldehydes, 10 ketones, 24 alcohols, 9 phenolic derivatives and 7 miscellaneous compounds. Numerous additional compounds, mainly sesquiterpenoids, remain unidentified. The twig oil contained α-pinene (34%) and apiole (15%) as the two principal components. The major constituents in the seed oil were apiole (52%), bornyl acetate (21%) and α-pinene (11%).

Key Word Index:

• Pituranthos scoparius
• Umbelliferae
• essential oil composition
• apiole
• α-pinene
• bornyl acetate