Overview
ISO 3142:1997 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies key characteristics and quality assessment criteria for oil of clove buds derived from Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et Perry, also known as Eugenia caryophyllus. This essential oil, extracted via steam distillation from dried clove flower buds, is widely valued in aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, food flavoring, and cosmetics. The standard provides a comprehensive framework to ensure consistent quality, safety, and authenticity of clove bud oil in global trade.
Key Topics
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Physical and Chemical Characteristics
The standard defines specific parameters such as appearance, color, odor, relative density, refractive index, optical rotation, and phenol content to facilitate quality control:
- Appearance: Clear, mobile liquid, sometimes slightly viscous
- Color: Ranges from yellow to clear brown
- Odor: Spicy and characteristic of eugenol
- Relative density at 20°C: 1.042–1.063
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1.5280–1.5380
- Optical rotation at 20°C: -1.5° to 0°
- Total phenolic content: 85%–93% (v/v)
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Chromatographic Profile
ISO 3142:1997 mandates gas chromatography analysis to identify and quantify the major constituents of clove bud oil. The standard chromatographic profile includes:
- Eugenol (75%–85%)
- β-Caryophyllene (7% minimum)
- Eugenyl acetate (8%–15%)
This chemical fingerprint ensures purity and detects adulteration.
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Flashpoint Information
Though flashpoint determination is provided for informational purposes only, a mean flashpoint of approximately +120°C is indicated for oil of clove buds. This data supports safe handling, transport, and storage practices.
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Testing Methods and Sampling
The standard references internationally recognized ISO methods for assessing relative density, refractive index, optical rotation, and phenol content, along with guidelines for sampling consistent with ISO 212.
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Packaging and Labelling
ISO 3142 highlights proper packaging, conditioning, storage, and labeling requirements as outlined in ISO 210 and ISO 211. These guidelines ensure product integrity and traceability throughout the supply chain.
Applications
ISO 3142:1997 is critical for industries involved in the production, distribution, and utilization of clove bud oil, including:
- Pharmaceuticals – To guarantee therapeutic efficacy and safety by verifying chemical composition and purity.
- Food and Beverage – Ensuring authentic flavor components in food products and beverages where clove oil is used as a natural flavoring agent.
- Cosmetics and Fragrances – Maintaining consistent aroma quality and chemical standards for essential oil ingredients.
- Aromatherapy – Certifying essential oil quality for health and wellness applications.
- Quality Control Laboratories – Offering standardized test methods for routine product evaluation and verification.
By adhering to ISO 3142, stakeholders benefit from a harmonized approach that facilitates international trade, enhances quality assurance, and protects consumers.
Related Standards
ISO 3142:1997 works in conjunction with several complementary ISO standards for essential oils, including:
- ISO 279:1981 – Determination of relative density of essential oils
- ISO 280:1976 – Determination of refractive index
- ISO 592:1981 – Determination of optical rotation
- ISO 1272:1973 – Determination of phenol content
- ISO 11024 (Parts 1 & 2) – General guidance on chromatographic profiles of essential oils
- ISO 210 & ISO 211 – Guidelines for packaging, conditioning, labeling, and marking containers of essential oils
- ISO 212:1973 – Sampling of essential oils
- ISO/TR 11018:1997 – Guidance on determination of flashpoint
Together, these standards provide an integrated framework for essential oil quality control, safety, and product consistency.
In summary, ISO 3142:1997 defines essential quality parameters for oil of clove buds, supporting the global essential oils industry through standardized testing, chemical profiling, and regulatory compliance. Adherence to this standard ensures authentic, high-quality clove bud oil suitable for diverse commercial and therapeutic applications.