Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

Characteristic odour results from the tricyclic triterpene alcohol ambrein. Relationship between ambreinolide (one of major oxidation products of ambergris) and plant diterpenoids manool and sclareol.

Halocarpus biformis (pink pine) has highest known content of manool (6-8%) based on the dry material. Lagarostrobus colensoi (New Zealand silver pine) contains 2 related compounds (manoyl oxide and 2-oxomanoyl oxide).

Attempts made to export manool or its relatives to perfume companies. Decreasing market since 1960s. Work on analogues of the odoriferous acetals continued, using manool as one of the starters. Attention in recent years to perfumes obtained from labdanoids such as manool, manoyl oxide, and 2-oxomanoyl oxide. Have highly effective properties as perfumes with a complex odour. Oxygenated analogues of Ambrox with comparable odours can be prepared from readily available podocarpic acid.

Author considers the potential exists for the development of a fine chemical industry in New Zealand. Little commercial interest yet.