Overview
ISO 3523:2002 defines quality characteristics for oil of cananga (Cananga odorata, forma macrophylla) to facilitate its assessment and trade. This International Standard specifies physical, organoleptic and chemical criteria, a normative gas‑chromatographic profile and test conditions-helpful for producers, quality-control laboratories, perfumers and downstream users in cosmetics, aromatherapy and flavoring.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Characteristics to assess the quality of oil of cananga (steam-distilled from flowers).
- Organoleptic and physical properties
- Appearance: mobile liquid
- Colour: light yellow to dark yellow
- Odour: floral, woody and balsamic
- Relative density (d20): 0.906 – 0.923
- Refractive index (n20): 1.495 – 1.505
- Optical rotation (20 °C): −30° to −15°
- Miscibility in ethanol (95% v/v): clear solution with ≤1 volume ethanol per 1 volume oil
- Chemical limits
- Acid value: maximum 2
- Ester value: 13 – 35 (saponification time 2 h; test portion 2 g)
- Chromatographic profile (normative)
- Analysis by gas chromatography per ISO 11024‑1/2. A list of representative components and their percentage ranges form the required profile (examples include β‑caryophyllene 30–40%, α‑humulene 7–11%, germacrene D 5–9%, benzyl benzoate 3–5%, linalool 1–3%, etc.). Minimum sample volume: 25 ml.
- Annex A provides typical chromatograms and GC operating conditions (apolar and polar capillary columns, FID) as informative examples.
- Flashpoint (informative): mean value reported ≈ +92 °C (determined with “Luchaire” equipment; informative only).
Applications and users
- Who uses ISO 3523: essential oil producers, botanical/phyto‑chemistry labs, cosmetics and fragrance manufacturers, importers/exporters, regulatory bodies, and testing laboratories.
- Practical uses
- Routine quality control and lot release testing
- Specification writing for procurement and trade contracts
- Identification of adulteration or out‑of‑spec material via GC profiling
- Safety and handling reference (flashpoint guidance)
Related standards
- ISO 11024‑1 / ISO 11024‑2 - essential oils: preparation and use of chromatographic profiles
- ISO 279, 280, 592, 709, 875, 1242 - test methods referenced for density, refractive index, optical rotation, ester value, miscibility, acid value
- ISO TR 210, TR 211 - packaging, storage and labelling of essential oils
Keywords: ISO 3523, oil of cananga, Cananga odorata, essential oil standard, chromatographic profile, gas chromatography, refractive index, relative density, acid value, ester value, flashpoint.