Origin of (+)-δ-cadinene and the cubenols in the essential oils of the Myrtaceae

Charles P. Cromwell, University of Western Sydney
Narsimha Reddy
David N. Leach, Southern Cross University
S Grant Wyllie, University of Western Sydney

Abstract

The sesquiterpenoids (+)-δ-cadinene, epicubenol and cubenol in the essential oils of the Myrtaceae are by-products of the acid-solvolysis of the sesquiterpene alcohols cubebol and epicubebol. This solvolysis can occur during leaf ageing or steam distillation. Significant proportions of these compounds can be found in many members of the Myrtaceae, most notably commercial tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia and M. linariifolia).