Tea tree essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia is used in aromatherapy and perfumery. Due to its typical pleasant aroma and its antibacterial and antiseptic activity it is also used for medical purpose.
This diploma thesis includes the comparison of composition of two essential oils, of Australian and German producer. We used thin-layer chromatography for the comparison of contents and column chromatography for isolation of various components of essential oils, which were later identified by gas chromatography, coupled with a mass spectrometer.
We found out that both essential oils correspond to regulations of the European Pharmacopoeia, however the essential oil of the German producer has less ingredients, especially those that are more polar. Both essential oils mostly contain monoterpenes and monoterpenoids, including 1,8-cineol, terpinen-4-ol and alpha-terpineol, which were used as reference compounds during the experimental work.
Based on the obtained results, we prepared a mixture of commercially available ingredients, which was supposed to be similar to Tea Tree Essential Oil. The effectiveness of artificially synthesized essential oil was confirmed by fragrance analysis. We also made a hydrophilic gel with tea tree essential oil, which retained its liquid consistency.
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