RT(Retention Time) As the temperture rises in the oven the oil passes through the capillary column (BPx5). The lighter chemical components (that which evaporate quicker) come out first, such as 1-Octen -3-ol which has a RT of 06.24 minutes and the heaviest last, such as Alpha-Cadinol at 32.03 minutes.

It has taken us a long time to source this fine, True and unadulterated Melissa. This excerpt from Guenther-The Essential Oils, Vol.3 1949. p. 396, Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida, explains why. Yield of Oil:The yield of the volatile oil from Melissa officinalis L. is so small that the cost of production becomes almost prohibitive. The commercial oil, therefore, is seldom, if ever, pure, and consists largely of mixtures of lemongrass and citronella, or fractions thereof. In European countries it is prepared by distilling lemon oil over Melissa officinalis L. herb.

Composition should contain
Cis and trans rose oxide
Cirtronellol
Methyl citronellate


Chiral

Adulteration;
Brian Lawrence talk
1) Should contain all of; citronellal, neral and geranial. Other oils don’t
2) Much adulteration with synths and other oils
3) Chiral – citronellal natural; 97.9-98.2% (3R)
synthetic or other oils ~50%

often co distilled with citronella and/or lemon peel (e, chiral folder)

The sophistication in adulteration has increased since 1949, thus the ever increasing need to source from a Purist. All Kobashi Oils are tested as above.

Density this batch@18C: 0.8813

It's best to use Melissa at a dilution of 1% or less.