Sandalwood oil

Chemical properties

Sandalwood oil is obtained by steam distillation of the heartwood of sandalwood trees, formerly mainly from the East Indian species Santalum album L. (Santalaceae). It is a slightly viscous, almost colorless to yellow liquid with a characteristic, sweet, woody, long-lasting odor.
d²⁰₂₀ 0.968–0.983; n²⁰_D 1.5030–1.5090; α²⁰_D ?21 ° to ?12 °; solubility: 1 vol ≤ 5 vol of 70% ethanol at 20 °C; ester number: max. 10; free alcohol content (calculated as santalol): min. 90%.
Santalum sandalwood oil consists almost exclusively of closely related sesquiterpenoids; by far, the main constituents are the alcohols α-santalol, 41–55%, and β-santalol, 16–24%. Mainly responsible for the odor is β-santalol.
The trees cultivated for oil production must be at least 30 years old to make oil production profitable. The oil yield, calculated on the amount of wood used for steam distillation, is 4–6.5%.The oil was formerly produced in India and Indonesia in annual quantities of some 100t. In the past decades, the natural resources in India are on the decline and the production in Indonesia has decreased significantly. Alternatively, Australian sandalwood oil has been introduced on the market. This oil type is obtained from Santalum spicatum (R.Br.) A. DC. It also contains santalols as main constituents but differs somewhat in the remaining composition.
Australian sandalwood oil is a colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid, d²⁰₂₀ 0.945–0.980; n²⁰_D 1.500–1.517; α20 D ?16 ° to +4 °; solubility: 1 vol≤5 vol of 70% ethanol at 20 °C. α-santalol 15–25%; α-santalol 5–20%.

Chemical properties

East Indian sandalwood essential oil is steam-distilled from comminuted dried, ground roots and wood chips. It has a strong, warm, woody odor

Physical properties

The oil is a pale-yellow to yellow liquid. It is soluble in most fixed oils, mineral oil (sometimes with haziness) and propylene glycol. It is insoluble in glycerin

The Uses of Sandalwood oil

sandalwood oil (Santalum album)(santal; santalum) is credited with astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, tonic, stimulant, cooling, and soothing properties. It is also considered a good anti-septic in cases of acne and an astringent for oily skin. There are indications that sandalwood oil may promote epidermal cell turnover as some report it stimulates fibroblast growth. Sandalwood could help prevent the skin dryness associated with seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. In addition, some manufacturers utilize it as a natural colorant to give products a light red or rose tone. Sandalwood oil might produce a rash in hypersensitive people, especially if it is present in high concentrations. It is produced by distillation of the inner wood.

The Uses of Sandalwood oil

Wood in boxes and carvings, as incense. Oil in perfumes and as fragrance in creams and lotions.

The Uses of Sandalwood oil

Indian Sandalwood oil is a fragrance for use in various perfumed products like soap, after-shave lotions, colognes, and cosmetics; Mimusops; cedarwood; Clary sage; Casteoreum.

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Santalum album, Santalaceae.

Essential oil composition

East Indian sandalwood essential oil consists mainly of α-santalol (90%) with traces of phenols, lactones and terpenes. The oil obtained from the heartwood of the plant contains approximately 90% of α- and β-santalols and several other minor components including sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (~6%). The santalols are responsible for the pleasant odor. The seed oil contains stearolic acid and santalbic acid.

Safety Profile

Low toxicity by ingestion and skin contact. A sktn irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.