A Contribution to the Chemistry of Ngaione, an Essential Oil from Myoporum Laetum, Forst

Abstract

Ngaione, the main constituent of the essential oil isolated from the leaves of Myoporum laetum Forst, was first examined by McDowall. As a result of his work, the formula of Ngaione was established as C₁₅H₂₂O₃ and the presence of one carbonyl group was determined through the formation of a crystalline p-nitrophenyl-hydrazone and a semi-carbazone. Methoxy, methylene dioxygroups and alcoholic hydroxyl groups were absent. The presence of two double bonds was established by catalytic hydrogenation. It was concluded that the ngaione molecule contained two ethereal oxygen atoms probably present in two separate oxide rings.