Abstract: The unsaponifiable matters of the oil from Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bge. are separated by TLC with silica gel G into four fractions:sterols, triterpene alcohols, 4-methylsterols and hydrocarbons. The acetates of triterpene alcohols and 4-methylsterols are separated by TLC with 20% silver nitrate impregnated silica gel G, using CH₂CL₂-petroleum(8:2v/v) as developing reagents. The identification of major components is carried out by TLC, m. p., optical rotation, GLC, IR spectrum and MS. α-amyrin, taraxerol, tirucalla-7, 24-diennol and butyrospermol in the triterpene alcohol acetate fraction, cyclofontumienol and 4α-methylgorgostanol in 4-methylsterol fraction are isolated and identified. We find no evidence of the occurance of nonedibles in this oil.