Publication
Unravelling the Enantiomeric Distribution of Key Sandalwood Sesquiterpenoids by Enantioselective Gas Chromatography and Molecular Rotational Resonance
Originally published in the Journal of Natural Products, September 2026
Authors: Cecilia L. Cagliero; Reilly E. Sonstrom; Carlo Bicchi; Norbert A. Braun; Daniel Joulain; Nicolas Baldovini
Summary
Originally published in the Journal of Natural Products, this paper investigates the enantiomeric distribution of key sandalwood sesquiterpenoids using a combination of molecular rotational resonance (MRR) spectroscopy, enantioselective gas chromatography, and total synthesis. The study provides new insight into the stereochemical composition of natural and biotechnological sandalwood oils, revealing distinct enantiomeric profiles among major constituents and showing that the primary component, (Z)-α-santalol, is nearly odorless. The work demonstrates the value of combining complementary analytical techniques for the characterization of complex chiral natural products.
Key Takeaways
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Key sandalwood sesquiterpenoids exhibit distinct enantiomeric distributions.
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Natural and biotechnological sandalwood oils show unique stereochemical profiles.
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MRR spectroscopy, enantioselective gas chromatography, and total synthesis provide complementary analytical insight.
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The major constituent, (Z)-α-santalol, is found to be nearly odorless.
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MRR enables confident characterization of challenging chiral mixtures.