Volatile compounds from leaf-buds of Populus nigra L. (Salicaceae)

Volatile components from fresh and air-dried leaf-buds of Populus nigra L. (Salicaceae) were isolated by Likens-Nickerson apparatus and analyzed using GC/MS. Forty-eight components (ca. 95% of the total isolate) were identified among black poplar bud volatiles. Sesquiterpene alcohols β-eudesmol and α-eudesmol represented 26.3–28.7% of the oil. Other major sesquiterpene compounds were γ-selinene (7.6–8.8%), δ-cadinene (7.8–8.6%), α-elemene (3.3–5.2%) and γ-cadinene (3.9–4.2%). Hemiterpenes were also identified (2.2–7.6%). Monoterpenes were present in low percentages (1.6–5.7%). Aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, carbonyl compounds and aliphatic acids were identified among non-terpene volatiles (9.8–13.5%). The fresh buds contained 0.27% and dried 0.12% essential oil. Air-drying moderately effected the volatiles qualitative and quantitative composition. Sesquiterpene alcohols and hydrocarbons were the most abundant volatiles of Populus nigra leaf-buds (up to 76%). α/β-Eudesmols were the main oil constituents (up to 28%). Other major compounds were γ-selinene, δ-cadinene, α-elemene and γ-cadinene accompanied with minor quantity of hemiterpenes, monoterpenes and other compounds.