Abstract The volatiles found in the headspace of Aeollanthus suaveolens were analyzed by solid phase microextraction coupled with GC/MS. This led to the identification of the 23 compounds. During steam distillation of the oil of A. Suaveolens, the very fragrant lactones, massoia lactone and Î´- decalactone, were concentrated in the residue from which they can easily be extracted for perfumery purposes.