Using the GC/MS method analysis of the chemical composition of aromatic volatile compounds released by the leaves of tropical representatives of the genus Citrus L. (sweet lime (limetta) - Citrus limetta Risso and its varieties: Citrus limetta ‘Marokko', Citrus limetta ‘Kislaya oranzhevaya', sour lime - Citrus aurantiifolia ‘Taiti' and Citrus aurantiifolia ‘Foro', as well as lemon - Citrus limon ‘Beskolyuchii') in greenhouse conditions were studied. The number of aromatic substances of the gas phase of natural essential oils of leaves revealed for each of them was 38, 41, 37, 44, 37 and 30 compounds, respectively. 10 components were characteristic of all six taxa under study, which confirm their genetic affinity: D-limonene, Z-citral (neral), E-citral (geranial), elemene isomer, α-copaene, trans-α-bergamotene, benzoic acid, 3-hexenyl ester, trans-γ-bisabolene, β-caryophyllene oxide, a-humulene epoxide II. For hybrids and varieties of sweet lime (limetta) and sour lime, 7 more components belonging to the class of terpenoids are also characteristic: oxygen-containing compounds (citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl, β-sinensal) and sesquiterpenes (cadina-3.5-diene, β-caryophyllene, trans-β-bergamotene), as well as a number of individual aromatic substances, characteristic for each of the varieties in the bouquet of their citrus-coniferous aroma of leaves. The studied taxa can be recommended as part of compositions of aromatic plants in interiors for various functional purposes.
Characterization of Volatile Compounds in the Essential Oil of Sweet Lime (Citrus limetta Risso)
