Eucalyptol

Synonyms

Cineole; 1,3,3-Trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo(2.2.2)octane; 1,8-Cineol; 1,8-Cineole; 1,8-Epoxy-p-menthane; 1,8-Oxido-p-menthane; 2-Oxa-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo(2.2.2)octane; 2-Oxabicyclo(2.2.2)octane, 1,3,3-trimethyl-; Cajeputol; Cineole (VAN); Eucalyptol (natural); Eucalyptole; Eucapur; Eukalyptol [Czech]; Soledum; Terpan; Zineol; p-Cineole; p-Menthane, 1,8-epoxy-; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Plant Oils and Extracts

Description

Colorless liquid; [Merck Index]

Sources/Uses

Chief constituent of oil of eucalyptus; [Merck Index] Used in pharmaceuticals (cough syrups and expectorants); Also used as a flavoring agent, fragrance, disinfectant, and solvent; [HSDB] Eucalyptus oil contains up to 70% eucalyptol; [Goldfrank, p. 625]

Comments

Emergency treatment: "Eucalyptus oil"; In a series of 109 children, ingestion of 2-3 mL caused mild sedation while ingestion of >5 ml caused serious CNS depression or coma; [HSDB] After ingestion, causes CNS depression, vomiting, and increased risk for aspiration pneumonia; [Goldfrank, p. 625] Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] An irritant; Effects in high-dose animal studies include changes in renal tubules; [MSDSonline]

Biomedical References

1.9 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

VP from ChemIDplus;

Acute solvent syndrome

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Using Disinfectants or Biocides