ISO 280-1998 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 280:1998 — Essential oils — Determination of refractive index. This International Standard specifies a laboratory method for measuring the refractive index of essential oils (optical measurement used to characterise and verify essential-oil identity and purity).

Abstract

This standard defines the principle, apparatus, reference liquids and procedure for determining the refractive index of essential oils (typically using a refractometer at the sodium D line wavelength and a controlled temperature). The measurement supports product specification, quality control and comparability between laboratories.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed international standard).
• Publication date: November 1998 (Edition 2, 1998-11).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 71.100.60 (Essential oils).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (1998).
• Number of pages: 3 (concise technical method).

Scope

Specifies a standardised laboratory procedure for the determination of refractive index of essential oils for use in identity checks and quality assessment. The standard covers the principle of measurement, required apparatus and reference liquids, calibration and reporting of results. It is intended for use by laboratories and producers handling essential oils and related natural aromatic products.

Key topics and requirements

• Principle: measurement of refractive index (usually by direct angle measurement or total internal reflection using a refractometer).
• Reference wavelength: measurements are referenced to the sodium D line (589.3 nm) unless otherwise specified.
• Reference temperature: control and reporting of temperature (commonly 20 °C) for refractive-index results.
• Apparatus and calibration: use of a suitable refractometer (e.g., Abbe or digital refractometer) calibrated with certified reference liquids.
• Sample handling and transparency/isotropy requirements to ensure valid optical measurement.
• Result reporting: refractive index value with stated temperature (and wavelength if different), and any deviations from the standard procedure.

Typical use and users

Laboratories performing physico-chemical analysis of essential oils, producers and processors of essential oils, quality-control personnel, fragrance and flavour companies, regulatory and standards bodies. Typical uses include identity verification, batch release testing, comparison with specification values, and supporting routine QC of raw materials and products.

Related standards

Closely related ISO documents and national/adopted equivalents include standards on sample preparation and other essential-oil test methods (for example ISO 356 for sample preparation) and national/adopted versions such as BS ISO 280 and various identical/adopted editions (GOST, NF, UNE). These related documents cover complementary methods used alongside refractive-index measurement in essential-oil analysis.

Keywords

essential oils; refractive index; refractometry; optical properties; quality control; calibration; sodium D line; temperature correction; ISO 280.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 280:1998 is an International Standard that specifies a laboratory method for determining the refractive index of essential oils.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the principle of measurement, required apparatus and reference liquids, calibration and procedure for measuring and reporting refractive index values (including the common reference wavelength and temperature considerations).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: QC laboratories, essential-oil producers and processors, fragrance and flavour companies, and standards organisations use it for identity checks and routine quality control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 280:1998 is a published standard and has been subject to ISO periodic review. The edition of record is the 1998 (2nd) edition; ISO records show the standard as confirmed/maintained in recent ISO reviews (confirmed as current in ISO records). Users should check the ISO catalogue or national standards bodies for the absolute latest confirmation or any amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It forms part of the body of ISO standards and technical work on essential oils (ISO/TC 54). It is used alongside other essential-oil standards (sample preparation, other analytical methods) to provide a complete testing suite.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Essential oils; refractive index; refractometer; sodium D; temperature control; quality control; calibration.