Essential oil composition and enantioselective profile of Juniperus communis var. depressa (Cupressaceae) from Utah

InformationJuniperus communis var depressa (common juniper) is an essential oil-bearing evergreen shrub native to North America, including the state of Utah.Cones (berries), leaves, and limb material were collected, and steam distilled together.The resulting essential oil samples (n = 3) were analyzed, and both the achiral and chiral profiles established by GC/FID, GC/MS, enantioselective GC/FID, and molecular rotational resonance (MRR).Prominent compounds of the achiral profile include (averages) α-pinene (63.9%), β-pinene (6.2%), myrcene (6.9%), δ-3-carene (6.8%), and limonene (3.3%).Four prominent chiral pairs (α-pinene, βpinene, δ-3-carene, limonene) were analyzed to determine the enantioselective profile.Where enantiopure standards were not commercially available, (-)-δ-3carene, MRR was used as a quick and reliable analytical technique for chiral analysis.This study verifies the achiral profile for North American common juniper and, for the first time to the authors' knowledge, establishes the achiral and chiral profiles for J. communis var.depressa, specifically from Utah.This study confirms the utility and practicality of using MRR for determining chiral profiles in essential oils.Additionally, results provide a foundation for future research in the flavor and fragrance industries for common juniper of North American origin.