Overview
ISO 4724:2004 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies quality characteristics for Oil of Cedarwood, Virginian (Juniperus virginiana L.). This essential oil is extracted from the wood of the Virginian cedar tree native to the southeastern United States. The standard aims to facilitate the assessment and ensure consistency in the quality of this specific cedarwood oil by defining its physical properties, chemical composition, and testing methods.
This standard serves producers, suppliers, quality controllers, and users of Virginian cedarwood oil by providing reliable criteria for evaluating its authenticity, purity, and safety measures. Adherence to ISO 4724:2004 helps support trade and regulatory compliance globally.
Key Topics
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Scope and Definitions: ISO 4724:2004 applies exclusively to oil obtained by steam distillation from Juniperus virginiana L. wood. It clarifies definitions such as the botanical source and essential oil characteristics.
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Physical Characteristics:
- Appearance: Slightly viscous liquid, occasionally with crystals
- Colour: Nearly colourless to pale yellow
- Odour: Warm, woody, and characteristic of Virginian cedarwood oil
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Chemical and Physical Parameters:
- Relative density at 20 °C: 0.9410–0.9650
- Refractive index at 20 °C: 1.5010–1.5100
- Optical rotation at 20 °C: Between −36° and −16°
- Miscibility in 95% ethanol: Clear solution must form using no more than 5 volumes of ethanol per volume of oil
- Flashpoint: Informative mean value around +93 °C (using Setaflash apparatus)
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Chromatographic Profile:
Chemical components characterized by gas chromatography form the core of quality assessment. Essential components with specified concentration ranges include:
- α-Cedrene + β-funebrene (20–35%)
- β-Cedrene + β-caryophyllene (4–8%)
- Thujopsene (10–25%)
- Cuparene (1.5–7%)
- Cedrol (16–25%)
- Widdrol (2–5%)
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Sampling and Testing Methods: ISO 212 covers sampling, and dedicated ISO standards provide methods for measuring density, refractive index, optical rotation, ethanol miscibility, and chromatographic analysis to ensure reproducibility and reliability.
Applications
ISO 4724:2004 is essential for various stakeholders engaged with Virginian cedarwood oil, including:
- Essential Oil Manufacturers: To certify product quality and authenticity for both domestic and international markets.
- Perfume and Fragrance Industry: For formulation consistency and compliance with regulations.
- Pharmaceutical and Aromatherapy Sectors: To guarantee the safety and purity of medicinal and therapeutic-grade cedarwood oils.
- Regulatory Authorities and Quality Control Labs: To enforce standards for imports, exports, and trade fair practices.
- Transport and Storage Providers: For safe handling instructions referencing properties like flashpoint and miscibility.
Implementing this standard reduces risks of adulteration, enhances consumer confidence, and supports the sustainable use of natural essential oils.
Related Standards
ISO 4724:2004 works in conjunction with several important ISO technical references for essential oils, including:
- ISO/TR 210 - General rules for packaging, conditioning, and storage of essential oils
- ISO/TR 211 - Labelling and marking requirements for essential oil containers
- ISO 212 - Sampling procedure for essential oils
- ISO 279 - Determination of relative density at 20 °C
- ISO 280 - Determination of refractive index
- ISO 592 - Determination of optical rotation
- ISO 875 - Evaluation of miscibility in ethanol
- ISO 11024-1 and ISO 11024-2 - Guidance on preparation and use of chromatographic profiles
- ISO/TR 11018 - Guidance on determining flashpoint of essential oils
- ISO/TR 21092 - Characterization of essential oils including CAS number references
Together, these standards form a comprehensive framework ensuring the accurate identification, testing, and quality control of Virginian cedarwood oil and other essential oils within global trade.
Keywords: ISO 4724:2004, Virginian cedarwood oil, Juniperus virginiana, essential oil quality, steam distilled cedarwood oil, chromatographic profile, essential oil testing, oil of cedarwood Virginian standard, cedarwood oil chemical composition, essential oil flashpoint, essential oil standards, ISO essential oils.
