ISO 3141:1997

Overview

ISO 3141:1997 specifies quality characteristics and test criteria for oil of clove leaves (Syzygium aromaticum, syn. Eugenia caryophyllus). Prepared by ISO/TC 54 (Essential oils), this third edition defines organoleptic properties, physical constants, chromatographic profile requirements and related sampling, packaging and labelling guidance to support consistent quality assessment of clove leaf essential oil.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Identification and description
  • Appearance: clear, mobile liquid (sometimes slightly viscous).
  • Colour: yellow to light brown.
  • Odour: spicy and characteristic of eugenol.
• Physical constants
  • Relative density at 20 °C: minimum 1.039, maximum 1.049 (see ISO 279 for test method).
  • Refractive index at 20 °C: minimum 1.5280, maximum 1.5350 (see ISO 280).
• Chemical composition
  • Total phenolic compounds: a minimum content is specified (standard indicates 82% (V/V), with a lower minimum noted for Indonesian origin-78%).
  • Chromatographic profile: gas chromatography is required; the standard mandates identification of representative components and their proportions (normative profile includes eugenol, β‑caryophyllene, eugenyl acetate) as shown in the standard’s Table 1. ISO 11024 parts 1 and 2 are referenced for profile preparation and presentation.
• Sampling and sample size
  • Sampling per ISO 212; minimum test sample: 25 ml to permit all specified tests.
• Safety information
  • Annex B (informative) gives a mean flashpoint value for clove bud/leaves oil: +112 °C (measured with “Luchaire” equipment) and refers to ISO/TR 11018 for flashpoint guidance.
• Packaging, labelling and storage
  • Requirements and guidance are referenced to ISO 210 and ISO 211.

Practical applications

• Quality control and acceptance testing by essential oil producers and distillers.
• Raw material specification for the flavor, fragrance and pharmaceutical industries.
• Routine laboratory testing for purchasers, traders and customs to verify authenticity and purity.
• Safety data preparation and transport/insurance risk assessments using flashpoint and composition data.
• Regulatory compliance and product labelling consistent with international norms.

Who should use this standard

• Essential oil manufacturers and quality managers
• Analytical and QC laboratories performing gas chromatography
• Buyers, specifiers and traders of clove leaf oil
• Regulatory authorities and transport/safety officers

Related standards (referenced)

• ISO 279 (relative density), ISO 280 (refractive index), ISO 1272 (phenols content)
• ISO 11024-1/2 (chromatographic profiles), ISO 210/211 (packaging and labelling), ISO 212 (sampling)
• ISO/TR 11018 (flashpoint guidance)

Keywords: ISO 3141:1997, oil of clove leaves, Syzygium aromaticum, clove essential oil, eugenol, chromatographic profile, refractive index, relative density, phenolic content, flashpoint, essential oils standards.