Overview
ISO 16385:2014 - Essential oil of molle (Schinus areira L.), Argentinean type specifies characteristic properties and test methods to facilitate quality assessment of the steam‑distilled essential oil from the fruits of Schinus areira (Argentinean type). The standard addresses physical, optical and chromatographic criteria so producers, laboratories and buyers can verify identity, composition and conformity for commercial, safety and regulatory purposes.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Defines the essential oil obtained by steam distillation of Schinus areira fruits (Argentinean type) and its intended quality assessment.
- Appearance, colour and odour: Clear mobile liquid; light yellow; odour characteristic of phellandrene.
- Physico‑chemical limits:
- Relative density at 20 °C: 0.850 – 0.885
- Refractive index at 20 °C: 1.4750 – 1.4880
- Optical rotation at 20 °C: +30° to +75°
- Miscibility in 90% ethanol (20 °C): 4.5–6.5 volumes ethanol per 1 volume oil to obtain a clear solution
- Chromatographic profile (normative): Gas chromatography required; typical component ranges include:
- Phellandrenes (α+β): 35.0 – 60.0%
- Limonene: 10.0 – 25.0%
- Myrcene: 1.0 – 14.0%
- Sabinene: not detectable – 8.0%
- α‑Cadinol: 0.5 – 3.0%, Germacrene D: 0.2 – 0.5% (others specified)
- Note: phellandrenes and limonene are the preponderant components for the Argentinean chemotype.
- Flashpoint (informative): Mean value reported +48 °C (measured with Setaflash equipment).
- Sampling and test methods: Sampling per ISO 212; test methods referenced to ISO standards (ISO 279, 280, 592, 875, ISO 11024 for chromatographic profiling).
- Packaging and labelling: Follow ISO/TR 210 and ISO/TR 211 guidance.
Applications and users
- Essential oil producers and distillers - specification for product definition and batch release.
- Quality control and analytical laboratories - standardized test methods and chromatographic profile for identification and purity checks.
- Buyers, exporters/importers and regulators - objective criteria for procurement, safety classification and compliance.
- Industries using flavor, fragrance and aromatherapy ingredients (cosmetics, perfumery, food flavoring, natural product formulation) - to verify ingredient identity and consistency.
- Transport and safety officers - flashpoint and physico‑chemical data for handling and classification.
Related standards
Normative references within ISO 16385 include:
Keywords: ISO 16385, essential oil of molle, Schinus areira, Argentinean type, chromatographic profile, essential oils standard, quality assessment, phellandrene, limonene.