Extractive compounds of birch buds (Betula pendula Roth.): I. Composition of fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and esters

This is the first report devoted to study of the hydrocarbon composition of the extract of buds of European birch Betula pendula (family Betulacea). We have identified saturated (C-16 to C-28, even number of carbon atoms) and unsaturated (linoleic and linolenic) fatty acids, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, and the components of epicuticular waxes of cover scales, such as n-alkanes (C-21 to C-26), esters of fatty acids (C-16 to C-28, even number of carbon atoms), and fatty alcohols (C-18 to C-30, even number of carbon atoms). The gas chromatographic retention indices of all identified compounds have been determined.