The volatile composition of ten Piperaceae species, comprising three genera
(Ottonia, Piper and Peperomia) has been studied. The species were collecte
d in a typical fragment of the Brazilian Atlantic forest, constantly being
damaged by human action. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillat
ion in a modified Clevenger-type apparatus and their analyses were performe
d by GC and GC/MS. Identification of the substances was made by comparison
of mass spectra and retention indices with literature records. A great numb
er of non-oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were identified. Most
of these sesquiterpenes are derived from EE-farnesyl-PP, suggesting a prefe
rence of these species to synthesize metabolites from this pathway. Arylpro
panoids, although being common compounds produced by Piperaceae species, we
re not found in these oils. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser
ved.