Overview
ISO 3216:1997 is an international standard established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies the quality characteristics and testing methods for Oil of Cassia, Chinese type (Cinnamomum aromaticum Nees, syn. Cinnamomum cassia Nees ex Blume). This essential oil is obtained by steam distillation from the leaves, petioles, and young twigs of the cassia tree, predominantly cultivated in southern China.
This second edition of the standard, published in June 1997, updates the technical requirements of the first edition from 1974. ISO 3216:1997 aims to facilitate the appraisal and quality assessment of this essential oil through well-defined analytical specifications, testing procedures, and packaging guidelines.
Key Topics
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Definition and Scope
The standard defines Chinese type cassia essential oil, focusing on its production, chemical profile, and identification parameters.
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Physical and Chemical Specifications
- Appearance: Mobile liquid with color ranging from yellow to reddish-brown
- Odor: Characteristic, reminiscent of cinnamaldehyde
- Density at 20 °C: Minimum 1.052, Maximum 1.070
- Refractive index at 20 °C: Minimum 1.600, Maximum 1.614
- Miscibility with 70% ethanol (v/v) at 20 °C: Clear solution with no more than three volumes of ethanol per volume of oil
- Acid value: Minimum 15.0
- Carbonyl index: Minimum 339.5, expressed as cinnamaldehyde equivalents
- Flash point: Informative average around 88–90 °C, depending on test methods
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Chromatographic Profile (Gas Chromatography)
The standard requires detailed analysis through gas chromatography, specifying characteristic constituents with defined concentration ranges:
- trans-Cinnamaldehyde: 70% – 88%
- Eugenol: 0.5% – 4%
- Coumarin: 1.5% – 15%
- trans-O-Methoxycinnamaldehyde: 2% – 3%
- Other compounds such as benzaldehyde, acetophenone, salicylic aldehyde, phenylethyl alcohol, cinnamyl acetate, styrene, and cinnamyl alcohol are also identified in trace amounts
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Testing Methods
The document references several ISO standards for testing, ensuring reliable and harmonized evaluation:
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Packaging and Storage
Guidelines on packaging, labeling, marking, and storage are outlined in related ISO standards (ISO 210 and ISO 211), ensuring product integrity and safety during handling and distribution.
Applications
Oil of cassia, Chinese type, standardized under ISO 3216:1997, has wide-ranging applications in various industries due to its distinctive aroma and chemical composition:
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Flavor and Fragrance Industry
Used as a natural flavoring agent and fragrance material in food products, beverages, cosmetics, and perfumes. Quality assurance according to ISO 3216 guarantees consistency and safety for consumers.
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Pharmaceutical and Therapeutic Uses
Employed in traditional and modern medicine for its aromatic and antimicrobial properties. The standardized characterization supports efficacy and regulatory compliance.
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Quality Control and Trade
Facilitates international trade by providing a unified reference for buyers, suppliers, and regulators to assess product authenticity, purity, and quality, reducing disputes and enhancing market transparency.
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Research and Development
Supports scientific investigation into cassia oil’s chemical components, including bioactive compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, influencing innovation in natural product formulations.
Related Standards
ISO 3216:1997 should be considered alongside the following relevant ISO standards for comprehensive quality management of essential oils:
- ISO 279: Determination of relative density of essential oils
- ISO 280: Determination of refractive index
- ISO 875: Evaluation of miscibility with ethanol
- ISO 1242: Determination of acid value
- ISO 1279: Potentiometric determination of carbonyl index
- ISO 11024: Guidelines for chromatographic profiles
- ISO 11025: Gas chromatography method for cinnamaldehyde content
- ISO 210 and ISO 211: General rules for packaging, labeling, and marking of essential oils
- ISO/TR 11018: Guidelines for flash point determination of essential oils
Keywords: ISO 3216, Oil of cassia, Chinese cassia oil, Cinnamomum aromaticum, essential oil standard, cinnamaldehyde content, gas chromatography, essential oil quality, chromatographic profile, essential oil testing methods, ISO standards, essential oil packaging.