Abstract: A process for purifying exo-2-hydroxy-1,4-cineole contaminated with ketones is carried out by derivatizing the ketone to form a compound readily separable from the desired cineole, either by distillation, solvent extraction or like separation process. In one embodiment method of the invention, derivatization is carried out by reaction of the ketone with an amine. The amine reacts with the ketone impurities to form water and relatively stable enamine derivatives that have a much lower vapor pressure than the exo-2-hydroxy-1,4-cineole. The desired product may then be separated by distillation.