Efficient Eucalyptus chemistry

Eucalyptus leaves can be used as a green source of a valuable chemical used in fragrances and pharmaceuticals. 

p-cymene is a significant feedstock used in the production of fragrances, pharmaceuticals, herbicides and fine chemicals and is currently obtained from crude oil. Now, Benjamin Leita and colleagues at CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, Clayton, Australia have developed a method to produce it from the main component of Eucalyptus oil.    More...

http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/ChemScience/Volume/2009/12/Efficient_Eucalyptus.asp