Biosynthesis of terpenes: I. Chromatography of peppermint oil terpenes

Abstract Chromatography of peppermint oil terpenes on silicic acid chromatoplates, using hexane containing ethyl acetate as the developing solvent, effectively separates known constituents of the oil. A sequence of examinations of the plates makes possible the detection and recovery of numerous components of commercial peppermint oil and of extracts of peppermint leaves. In particular, spraying the plates with a 0.05% aqueous solution of Rhodamine B readily detects even unreactive compounds such as menthol, without altering them chemically. The sensitivity of the method is such that it is possible routinely to examine the constituents of the oil from the pair of leaves at a single node of the plant.