................................................................................................................................ 2 List of Figures ....................................................................................................................... 7 List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... 10 Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................... 13 Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................................... 14 1.1 Functions and uses of plasticizers ................................................................................. 16 1.2 Mechanism of action of plasticizers ............................................................................... 17 1.3 General health issues of phthalate plasticizers .............................................................. 19 1.3.1 Carcinogenicity .................................................................................................... 19 1.3.2 Endocrine Disruption ........................................................................................... 20 1.3.2.1 Feminizing effects on males ............................................................................. 20 1.3.2.2 Toxic effects on organs .................................................................................... 21 1.3.2.3 Puberty ............................................................................................................ 21 1.4 Exposure to phthalate plasticizers ................................................................................. 21 1.5 The importance of plasticizers in cosmetic products ...................................................... 22 1.6 Environmental impacts .................................................................................................. 23 1.7 Regulations ................................................................................................................... 24 1.8 Importance of the oil extracted from Eucalyptus citriodora. ........................................... 25 1.9 Problem statement ........................................................................................................ 27 1.10 Research hypothesis ................................................................................................... 28 1.11 Research questions .................................................................................................... 28 1.12 Research objectives .................................................................................................... 28 Chapter 2: Synthesis of Eucalyptus citriodora derived PMD-citronellal acetal .................... 30 2.1 Materials ....................................................................................................................... 30 2.2 Synthesis ...................................................................................................................... 30 2.2.1 Summary of Synthetic method ............................................................................. 30 2.2.2 Reaction step for Experiment 1. .......................................................................... 31 2.2.3 Product separation .............................................................................................. 32 2.3 Analytical Techniques ................................................................................................... 32 2.3.1 Gas-Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) .............................. 32 2.3.1.1 GC-MS conformation of p-menthane-3,8-diol-citronellal acetal ......................... 33 2.3.1 Gas Chromatography .......................................................................................... 35 2.3.2 Sample preparation ............................................................................................. 35