2h) Fragrances Flashcards
What are essential oils
Essential oils are concentrated extracts of the volatile, non - water soluble aroma compounds from plants
What are essential oils mixtures of
They are mixtures of many different compounds
Where are essential oils extracted from
Plants
What does volatile mean
Can change state and evaporate very quickly
What are essential oils used in
They are widely used in perfumes, cosmetic products, cleaning products and as flavouring in foods
What is steam distillation
In this process the volatility of the oil is important so it is carried by the steam. More water can be added from the funnel
What happens to essential oils during steam distillation
The essential oils collect as a mixture of oil and water, but as two do not mix, they are easily separated
What is another example of isoprene units
2-methylbuta-1,3-diene
What are terpenes
Terpenes are key components in most essential oils. They are unsaturated compounds formed by joining together insoprene units
What is the molecular formula for isoprene
C5H8
What aromas can terpenes be oxidised to produce
Terpenes can be oxidised within plants to produce some of the compounds responsible for the distinctive aromas of spice
What is a common technique used to extract essential oils from plant material
Steam distillation
