Overview
ISO 3519:2005 specifies quality characteristics for oil of lime distilled, Mexican type (Citrus aurantifolia) to facilitate assessment of authenticity and conformity. The standard defines physical appearance, key physico‑chemical limits and a normative gas‑chromatographic profile so producers, laboratories and buyers can verify that a sample matches the Mexican distilled lime essential oil specification.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Characteristics for oil of lime distilled, Mexican type, obtained by distillation of whole fruit or juice (Citrus aurantifolia).
- Physical properties
- Appearance: mobile liquid, clear.
- Colour: colourless to greenish yellow.
- Odour: characteristic lime odour.
- Measured limits
- Relative density (d20): minimum 0.8580, maximum 0.8660.
- Refractive index (n20): minimum 1.4740, maximum 1.4770.
- Optical rotation (at 20 °C): between +31° and +42°.
- Chromatographic profile (normative): Gas chromatography is required. Representative components and their integrator percentage ranges include, for example:
- Limonene: 36.0–46.0%
- γ‑Terpinene: 10.0–13.0%
- α‑Terpineol: 6.0–8.0%
- β‑Pinene, α‑Pinene, myrcene, p‑cymene and minor sesquiterpenes (full table provided in the standard).
- Notes: limonene and borneol are regarded mainly as their D‑isomers; small amounts of L‑isomers may be present.
- Flashpoint: mean value given as +46 °C (informative; obtained with Setaflash equipment).
- Sampling & testing
Applications and users
- Quality control laboratories validating lime essential oil batches for fragrance, flavor, cosmetic or aromatherapy use.
- Producers and exporters establishing product specifications and certificates of analysis.
- Purchasers and traders performing conformity checks on incoming shipments.
- Regulatory, transport and safety professionals using provided flashpoint guidance for handling and classification.
- R&D and formulation teams requiring reliable compositional baselines for product development.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 3519, oil of lime distilled Mexican type, Citrus aurantifolia, lime essential oil quality, GC chromatographic profile, refractive index, relative density, optical rotation, essential oils standard.
