Update on enantiomeric composition of (1R)-(+)- and (1S)-(−)-camphor in essential oils by enantioselective gas chromatography

The enantiomeric ratios of camphor have been determined in authentic essential oils, using heptakis(6-O-t-butylsilyl-2,3-di-O-ethyl)-β-cyclodextrin as the chiral stationary phase. An enantiomeric excess of (1S)-(–) within 72–75% is characteristic of coriander oil (Coriandrum sativum L.). Contrary, an enantiomeric excess of (1R)-(+) characterizes the essential oils of sage (>90% for Salvia sclarea L. and 50–70% for Salvia officinalis L.) and of basil (>94% for Ocimum basilicum L.).