Cubeb camphor

Cubeb camphor, CuHjgO, is a sesquiterpene alcohol which is found in oil of cuhebs, especially in old samples of the oil. It is laevo-rotatory, melts at 68° to 70°, and boils at 248° with decomposition. Nothing is known of its constitution. 

Pinene or camphene, dipentene sesquiterpenes, cubeb camphor —... 

Oil of Cubeb. Volatile oil from unripe fruit of Piper cubeba L.f., Piperaceae. Constit Dipantene, cadinene, cubeb camphor, the latter in old oils. 

The chemistry of this oil is in need of further elucidation, as it is -clear that thei-e are several constituents present which have, so far, escaped identification. The terpene dipentene is present, and probably small quantities of pinene or camphene cadinene is present, as well as a second sesquiterpene not yet identified. There is also present, especially in the oil distilled from old fruit, which has doubtless become partially oxidised, a small amount of the so-called cubeb-camphor. This b y, C H gOH, appears to be a crystalline sesquiterpene alcohol derived from the sesquiterpenes (or one of them) by oxidation. From a mixture of ether and alcohol it crystallises in rhombs, melting at 65 and is laevo-rotatory. It boils at 248 , with decomposition. The nature of the blue oil found in the higher fractions is unknown. 

Patchouli oil is adulterated to a certain extent with the oU from other leaves which are fraudulently packed with patchouli leaves, such as basil leaves and the leaves of a Malayan plant, known as purpulut (Urena lobata). The leaves of Hyptis suaveoUns are also used as an adulterant. Sassafras (or heavy camphor oil) is sometimes found as an adulterant, as well as cubeb oil, cedar-wood oil, and —rarely— petroleum. 

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