Essentialmoils derived from Mmtba aqvatica L.; M. citrafa Jhh. (bergamot mint); M. pnle m L. (European and North African penn royal); Hrdeamapnkgioides (L.) Pers. ( x e r i c a n penn royal); M. rotnnd#olu anBM. sylvestris L. were examined b gas-liquid partition cLomatographp using a polar (SAIB) and nonpolar (Vconf substrate, respective1 . Quantitative data illustrating the extent of compositional differences between d e s e products are presented and compared with similar criteria of authenticity for M. a r v a s i s (mint); M. pipuita (peppermint); M. cordirrca, M. spicata, and M. viridis (spearmints). The occurrence of isopiperitenone as a major constituent of M. rotnnd#olia derived from a French mutant strain and the detection o f several terpenoids occurring as trace constituents in these species are reported for the tvst time. Correlation of the chemical data illustrates their value in plant classification.
EB CLASSIFICATION of aromatic plants considered T to belong to the genus Mentha-an important source of basic raw materials for the food, drug, and cosmetic industries-has always proved a difficult task to the botanist. geneticist, and physiologist engaged in natural products research. As yet, the many species of this genus cannot be unambiguously identified by a single technique. I t is the purpose of this paper to demonstrate the value of using chemical analysis of the essential oils they yield for the recognition of botanical origins.
EXPERIMENTAL
Apparatus and analytica1 methods were described in previous publications (1-4).
Essential Oils.-The Mentha a p u a t h . M. cdrah, M. sylvestris, and Hedeoma pulegwidcs used were obtained through the courtesy of Dr. F. J. Cramer, A. M. Todd Co.. Kalamazoo, Mich. Plants used as the source of these oils were grown under the direction of Dr. M. J. Murray-herbarium specimens available at the Cornell University Herbarium and the Missouri Botanical Gardens, St. Louis, Mo. ; M. rofundifolia was obtained through the courtesy of Dr.