ISO 3143:1997

Overview

ISO 3143:1997 specifies quality characteristics and analytical requirements for oil of clove stems (Syzygium aromaticum, syn. Eugenia caryophyllus) intended to facilitate assessment of product identity and quality. The standard defines physical properties, chromatographic profile, sampling minimums and references accepted test methods and procedures for routine quality control of clove stem essential oil.

Key topics and requirements

• Identity and appearance
  • Liquid, mobile, clear (sometimes slightly viscous); color yellow to light brown; aroma: spicy, characteristic of eugenol.
• Physical properties
  • Density (20 °C): specified range (see standard); test method: ISO 279.
  • Refractive index (20 °C): specified range; test method: ISO 280.
  • Optical rotation (20 °C): specified between approximately −10° and +10°; test method: ISO 592.
• Chemical composition
  • Total phenolic content: specified minimum and maximum (expressed V/V); test method: ISO 1272.
  • Chromatographic profile (GC): the standard requires gas‑chromatography analysis and identification of representative constituents. Key constituents and typical ranges given:
    • Eugenol: dominant component (high percentage)
    • p‑Caryophyllene
    • Eugenyl (eugenol) acetate
  • The standard provides a normative chromatographic profile and example GC conditions (capillary columns 50 m × 0.25 mm, stationary phases such as OV‑101 or PEG, FID, temperature ramping, nitrogen carrier).
• Flash point
  • Informative average value provided: about +120 °C (method/device noted in Annex B).
• Sampling
  • Minimum sample volume for testing: 25 mL; sampling per ISO 212.
• Packaging and labeling
  • Guidance referenced to ISO 210 and ISO 211 for packing, marking and storage.

Practical applications and users

ISO 3143:1997 is intended for:

• Essential oil producers and distillers of clove stems for specifying product acceptance criteria.
• Quality control laboratories performing routine analyses (density, RI, rotation, GC fingerprinting, phenols).
• Buyers, traders and regulatory bodies who need objective specifications for procurement, certification and safety data.
• Perfumery, flavour and fragrance manufacturers and formulators assessing raw material consistency and authenticity.

Using ISO 3143 helps detect adulteration, ensure batch-to-batch consistency, and support compliance with contractual specifications.

Related standards

• ISO 279 (density), ISO 280 (refractive index), ISO 592 (optical rotation), ISO 1272 (phenols), ISO 11024‑1 / ‑2 (chromatographic profile guidance), ISO 210 / ISO 211 (packaging & labeling), ISO 212 (sampling), ISO/TR 11018 (flash point guidance).

Keywords: ISO 3143:1997, oil of clove stems, clove stem oil, Syzygium aromaticum, eugenol, chromatographic profile, essential oil specification, GC fingerprint, density, refractive index.