Abstract: The essential oil of Cunninghamia lanceolata(Lamb.) Hook. was obtained by steam distillation first, then by vacuum distillation from the pyroligneous oil of C. lanceolata root,and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by GC and GC-MS.From 30 chromatographic peaks, 25 compounds had been identified,which accounted to 96.65% in the steam distillation part, and 95.56% in the vacuum distillation part, respectively. In the former distillate, the main components are α-pinene 11.88%, α-terpineol 3.97%, α-cedrene 35.03%, β-cedrene 8.62% and cedrol 11.76%; In the latter distillate, the main components are α-cedrene 18.02%, β-cedrene 15.94% and cedrol 52.51%. Finally purification of cedrol via recrystallization,and its analysis by IR and ¹H NMR were carried out.

Key words: Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.)Hook.root, pyroligneous oil, α-cedrene, β-cedrene, cedrol