Part 1: The Basics of Essential Oil Chemistry
This second oxygen
is bonded to a
short hydrocarbon
chain on the other
side. These short
chains are usually
Figure 3.5: An ester group
one, two, or three
carbons
long.
Because there are two
carbon chains in an ester
molecule, they usually
have two-word names,
the second word ending
with the suffix –ate.
Linalyl acetate, methyl-
Figure 3.6: An example of an ester group in the
amyl angelate, benzyl
compound benzyl acetate, a main constituent of
acetate, bornyl acetate,
Jasmine absolute.
neryl acetate, methyl
thujate, and methyl salicylate are examples of monoterpene esters
found in essential oils. Sesquiterpene esters are fairly uncommon in
essential oils.
Properties of Ester Containing Constituents
Aromatic: Relaxing, soothing, balancing
Topical: Rejuvenate the skin, soothe the tissues, protect against
certain kinds of environmental threats
Internal: Varies on a case-by-case basis. Some esters can
support the health of the cardiovascular, immune, nervous, and
digestive systems. Other esters are not recommended for internal
consumption.*
Oils high in monoterpene esters: Lavender, Roman Chamomile,
Helichrysum, Arborvitae, and Wintergreen
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