The crude oil from the Fagan's Creek material was fractionated, and the portion distilling between 245-292° C. treated with aqueous potash, the adhering oil removed by ether, and the alkaline solution acidified. The organic acid thus obtained separated in the crystalline condition. Although much of the ester had altered at the temperature to which it had been subjected, yet a large proportion distilled unchanged. This was saponified by alcoholic potash and the acid separated in the usual way. The residue boiling above 292° was treated in a similar manner, and the whole of the acid collected. It was purified by first boiling with animal charcoal in an alcoholic solution, again separated, and finally recrystallised two or three times from boiling water.

The acid as thus prepared was colourless, and melted at 160° C. In general appearance it somewhat resembled salicylic acid, and crystallised in rhombic needle prisms which polarised well. It was readily soluble in boiling water and in most organic solvents, but was sparingly soluble in cold water (1 part in 1,355 parts of water at 20°). The acid was unsaturated; sublimed with difficulty, apparently unchanged, and was exceedingly soluble in ammonia. The neutral ammonium salt gave an orange-coloured precipitate with ferric chloride, and a bluish-green precipitate with sulphate of copper. The silver salt was prepared from the ammonium salt, and this on ignition gave 33.86 and 33.83 per cent, of silver in two determinations, corresponding to a molecular weight 215. The analytical results for the acid indicated the C14Hl8O2 molecule, with molecular weight 218, so that eudesmic acid is considered to have that formula.

The name is derived from that given by Robert Brown to the genus - i.e., Eudesmia.