What is "eucalyptol"

eucalyptol \eu`ca*lyp*tol\, n. [eucalyptus + L. oleum oil.] (Chem.) A volatile, terpenelike oil ( C10H18O), which is the main constituent of the oil of eucalyptus. It has cockroach repellent activity and is used as a flavoring aid in pharmaceuticals. Chemically it is 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo-[2,2,2]-octane.
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Syn: cineole, cajeputol. [1913 Webster +PJC]

Note: In the 1913 Webster eucalytpol was defined as an oil ``consisting largely of cymene''. Cymene (isopropyltoluene, C10H14) differs from that of the substance currently called eucalyptol, in having an unsaturated ring and no oxygen. Para-cymene does occur in eucalyptus oil as well as some other essential oils. [PJC] ||

n. (context organic compound English) A polycyclic monoterpenoid ether, obtained from eucalyptus oil, used in perfumery and in the production of pharmaceuticals etc.

Eucalyptol is a natural organic compound that is a colorless liquid. It is a cyclic ether and a monoterpenoid.

Eucalyptol is also known by a variety of synonyms: 1,8-cineol, 1,8-cineole, cajeputol, 1,8-epoxy-p-menthane, 1,8-oxido-p-menthane, eucalyptol, eucalyptole, 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2,2,2]octane, cineol, cineole.

In 1870, F. S. Cloez identified and ascribed the name eucalyptol to the dominant portion of Eucalyptus globulus oil.