Overview
ISO 3849:2003 is an international standard that specifies quality characteristics for the oil of citronella, Sri Lankan type-derived from the plant Cymbopogon nardus (L.) W. Watson var. lenabatu Stapf. This essential oil is primarily cultivated in Sri Lanka and is widely utilized in various industries, including perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy.
The standard provides comprehensive guidelines on physical properties, chemical composition, and testing methods. Its purpose is to facilitate a consistent and reliable assessment of the oil’s quality, ensuring authenticity and safety for manufacturers, exporters, and end-users.
Key Topics
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Physical Characteristics
- Appearance: Clear, mobile liquid.
- Colour: Pale yellow to pale brownish yellow.
- Odour: Leafy, earthy aroma typical of citronella.
- Relative Density (at 20 ºC): 0.891 to 0.910.
- Refractive Index (at 20 ºC): 1.4790 to 1.4900.
- Optical Rotation (at 20 ºC): Between −25° and −12°.
- Flashpoint: Mean value approximately +61 °C, important for transport and safety.
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Chemical Composition and Chromatographic Profile
The standard defines essential constituents and their typical concentration ranges, measured by gas chromatography:
- Camphene: 7.0% to 10.0%
- Limonene: 7.0% to 11.5%
- Citronellal: 3.0% to 6.0%
- Borneol: 4.0% to 7.0%
- Citronellol: 3.0% to 8.5%
- Geraniol: 15.0% to 23.0%
- Methyl isoeugenol: 7.0% to 11.0%
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Testing Methods
ISO 3849:2003 references ISO standards for precise testing techniques: density (ISO 279), refractive index (ISO 280), optical rotation (ISO 592), ester and carbonyl values (ISO 1241, ISO 1279), and chromatographic analysis (ISO 11024-1/-2). These accurate measurements ensure compliance with the defined quality parameters.
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Packaging and Labelling
The standard refers to ISO TR 210 and ISO TR 211 for correct packaging, conditioning, storage, and labelling requirements to preserve the oil's integrity and maintain traceability.
Applications
The specifications in ISO 3849:2003 enable industries to:
- Ensure Product Authenticity: By verifying the chemical profile and physical properties, manufacturers and suppliers can confirm the oil's origin and authenticity.
- Maintain Quality Control: Routine testing helps maintain consistent product quality and performance, crucial for cosmetic formulations and fragrance industries.
- Facilitate International Trade: Clear quality standards simplify export-import procedures, reduce disputes, and promote confidence between trading partners.
- Safety and Handling: Defined flashpoint and miscibility parameters assist safety officers and transporters in handling and storing citronella oil safely.
The standard benefits essential oil producers, quality control laboratories, cosmetic developers, perfumers, and regulatory bodies focusing on natural ingredients.
Related Standards
ISO 3849:2003 works in conjunction with several other ISO standards for essential oils, including:
- ISO/TR 210 – General rules for packaging, conditioning, and storage of essential oils.
- ISO/TR 211 – Guidelines for labelling and marking essential oil containers.
- ISO 279 – Determination of relative density of essential oils.
- ISO 280 – Determination of refractive index.
- ISO 592 – Measurement of optical rotation.
- ISO 1241 – Determination of ester value and alcohol content.
- ISO 1279 – Determination of carbonyl value by potentiometric methods.
- ISO 11024 (Parts 1 & 2) – General instructions on chromatographic profiles for essential oil analysis.
These standards complement ISO 3849:2003 to facilitate thorough evaluation and worldwide harmonization of essential oil quality assessments.
Adhering to ISO 3849:2003 ensures that citronella oil from Sri Lanka meets internationally recognized quality criteria, supporting its safe and effective use in global markets. This standard is essential for stakeholders aiming to uphold product integrity, safety, and uniformity in the essential oils industry.
Open preview (PDF)Oil of citronella, Sri Lankan type (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) W. Watson var. lenabatu Stapf.)