AbstractsChemistry

The purpose of this work was to investigate possibilities of raising lavender in Oregon of desirable qualities and. yield. This was carried out by analysis and study of the properties of the oil obtained therefrom in order that a comparison with other kinds of lavender oil might be made. It was also necessary to make a study of the methods of cultivation, harvesting, and extraction of the oil. After deciding upon the species of the lavender the physical properties of the oil were determined and found to coincide most closely to those of the oil obtained from the English variety of Lavandula vera. On isolation the most abundant chemical constituents of the oil determined were ethyl amyl ketone, limonene, and linalool. The separation of these constituents was carried out by fractional distillation in a specially designed vacuum still. The constituents were similar to those of the English oil. This English oil is considered to have the most desirable qualities as a perfume and demands the highest price of the many different lavender oils. From this comparison and the excellent odor of the oil it was concluded that it was an oil of good quality. From the standpoint of quality end yield of the oil from the plant the possibilities of raising lavender in Oregon seem quite favorable.