THE ISOLATION OF INOSITOL FROM CHINESE CITRUS PEELS

From the alcohol extract of the peels of certain Chinese citrus fruit, besides flavonone glucoside, a crystalline substance has been isolated. It has the empirical formula C₆H₁₂O₆, melting point 223-225℃, and exhibits no optical activity. It forms an acetate C₁₈H₂₄O₁₂, m.p. 211-212℃, a benzoate C₄₈H₃₆O₁₂, m.p. 258℃. The crystalline substance was further proved to be identical with inactive-inositol by comparison with authentic specimens obtained from walnut leaves(Juglans sinensis). This is the first instance of the indication of the presence of this component in citrus peels.