Coumarin-containing grass: Volatiles from sweet vernalgrass (Anthoxanthum odoratum L.)

Anthoxanthum odoratum, which is a coumarin containing grass, was investigat ed for its volatile components. The essential oil obtained by steam distill ation from the fresh leaves and hay, were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The maj or volatile component of both leaf and hay oil was coumarin (96.3% and 46.8 %, respectively). Aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, phenols, terpenes, hydrocar bons and acids were also identified in both oils, Their amounts were higher in the hay oil compared to the oil from fresh leaves.