(+)‐ α‐santalol and ( − )‐ β‐santalol(Z) concentration, a new quality determinant of East Indian sandalwood oil

The level of ( + )‐ α‐santalol (1) and ( − )‐ β‐santalol(Z) (2) measured by capillary gas chromatography (CGC) constitutes a better criterion than the currently accepted index, viz. ‘not less than 90% of alcohol calculated as santalol’ to judge East Indian sandalwood oil. The limits proposed are: 40% to 55% (1) and 17% to 27% (2). This novel approach deserves inclusion in all official specifications of the oil.