Identification / Physical Properties / Chemical Properties / Standards /
Safety Data / Storage & Handling

Identification:

Product Name: Oil of Melaleuca alternifolia
Synonyms: Tea Tree Oil; Melaleuca Oil; Oil of Melaleuca, Terpinen-4-ol type
Definition: Essential oil steam distilled from the leaves and terminal branchlets of Melaleuca alternifolia.
Chemical Abstract No.: 68647-73-4
UN No.: 2319
Tariff CN Code: 3301.29.61

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Clear, mobile liquid with no visible trace of water
Colour: Colourless to pale yellow
Odour: Characteristic warm, spicy odour
Specific Gravity @ 20oC/20oC: 0.885 - 0.906
Refractive Index @ 20oC: 1.4750 - 1.4820
Optical Rotation @ 20oC: +5o to +15o
Solubility @ 20oC: 1 vol soluble in 2 vols 85% v/v ethanol

Chemical Properties:

Analysis:    1,8 Cineole  3%  +/-1%          Terpinen-4-ol  39%  +/- 2%

typical analysis by gas chromatography

Constituent	Proportion	ISO Standard
alpha-pinene	2.4%	1 - 6%
sabinene	0.6%	trace - 3.5%
alpha-terpinene	10.2%	5 - 13%
p-cymene	2.2%	0.5 - 12%
limonene	1.1%	0.5 - 4%
1,8-cineole	3.6%	0 - 15%
gamma-terpinene	20.5%	10 - 28%
alpha-terpinolene	3.6%	1.5 - 5.0%
terpinen-4-ol	40.2%	30%+
alpha-terpineol	3.1%	1.5 - 8%
aromadendrene	1.1%	trace - 7%
delta-cadinene	1.0%	trace - 8%
globulol	0.3%	trace - 3%
viridiflorol	0.3%	trace - 1.5%

Standards and Monographs:

Australian Standards AS 2782-1997 - Oil of Melaleuca Terpinen-4-ol type
International Standard ISO 4730 - Oil of Melaleuca Terpinen-4-ol type (Tea Tree Oil)
British Pharmaceutical Codex, 1949 (pp. 597-598)
Martindale, The Extra Pharmicopia, 28th ed., 1982 (p. 678)
The Dispensatory of the United States of America, 25th ed. (p. 1610)

Coldstream Plantation Tea Tree Oil conforms to the Australian Standard AS 2782-1997 and the International Standard ISO 4730.

Flammability and Explosive Data:

Flash Point - Pensky Martens Closed Cup: 57oC - 60oC
Extinguishing Media: Dry Chemical Foam / CO2
Do not use water or aqueous systems
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: None
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: None

Reactivity Data:

Stability: Presents no significant reactivity hazard.
Stable for at least ten years if stored correctly.
Subject to oxidation if stored incorrectly.
Incompatibility: Solvent - avoid contact with plastics, rubber, oil based paints, ink etc.
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur

Toxicity and Health Hazard Data:

Toxicity: May produce toxic effects when taken internally
LD50 in rats 1.9 ml/kg
Irritation: Draize Skin Irritancy Index 5.0, could cause dermatitis in some users.
Sensitization: Nil skin sensitization in the guinea pig.
Ames Test: Not mutagenic.
Health Hazards: If taken internally the toxic effects which may be experienced include seizures, coma and respiratory depression. Rapid adsorption may be expected.

First Aid
Eye Contact: Irrigate with water
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, give a glass of water, if poisoning occurs get to a doctor or hospital quickly.

Personal Protection Data:

Respiratory: None required
Ventilation: Good room ventilation
Eye Protection: Safety glasses optional
Other Protective Equipment: None required

Preservative Challenge Tests:

Passes USP and B.P. Preservative challenge tests at 0.8% (v/v).

Storage and Handling Data:

Conditions: Store in cool, dry place in tightly sealed, suitably sized container and protect from light. Storage and handling apparatus should not contain plastic or rubber components.

Storage Containers: