ISO 3519:2005 PDF

Overview

ISO 3519:2005 specifies quality characteristics for oil of lime distilled, Mexican type (Citrus aurantifolia) to facilitate assessment of authenticity and conformity. The standard defines physical appearance, key physico‑chemical limits and a normative gas‑chromatographic profile so producers, laboratories and buyers can verify that a sample matches the Mexican distilled lime essential oil specification.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Characteristics for oil of lime distilled, Mexican type, obtained by distillation of whole fruit or juice (Citrus aurantifolia).
• Physical properties
  • Appearance: mobile liquid, clear.
  • Colour: colourless to greenish yellow.
  • Odour: characteristic lime odour.
• Measured limits
  • Relative density (d20): minimum 0.8580, maximum 0.8660.
  • Refractive index (n20): minimum 1.4740, maximum 1.4770.
  • Optical rotation (at 20 °C): between +31° and +42°.
• Chromatographic profile (normative): Gas chromatography is required. Representative components and their integrator percentage ranges include, for example:
  • Limonene: 36.0–46.0%
  • γ‑Terpinene: 10.0–13.0%
  • α‑Terpineol: 6.0–8.0%
  • β‑Pinene, α‑Pinene, myrcene, p‑cymene and minor sesquiterpenes (full table provided in the standard).
  • Notes: limonene and borneol are regarded mainly as their D‑isomers; small amounts of L‑isomers may be present.
• Flashpoint: mean value given as +46 °C (informative; obtained with Setaflash equipment).
• Sampling & testing
  • Minimum test sample: 25 ml.
  • Test methods reference ISO standards: ISO 279, ISO 280, ISO 592, ISO 11024‑1/2 for chromatographic procedures.

Applications and users

• Quality control laboratories validating lime essential oil batches for fragrance, flavor, cosmetic or aromatherapy use.
• Producers and exporters establishing product specifications and certificates of analysis.
• Purchasers and traders performing conformity checks on incoming shipments.
• Regulatory, transport and safety professionals using provided flashpoint guidance for handling and classification.
• R&D and formulation teams requiring reliable compositional baselines for product development.

Related standards

• ISO/TR 210, ISO/TR 211 (packaging, labeling, storage)
• ISO/TR 11018 (flashpoint guidance)
• ISO/TR 21092 (characterization)
• ISO 279, ISO 280, ISO 592, ISO 11024‑1 and ISO 11024‑2 (analytical and chromatographic methods)

Keywords: ISO 3519, oil of lime distilled Mexican type, Citrus aurantifolia, lime essential oil quality, GC chromatographic profile, refractive index, relative density, optical rotation, essential oils standard.