unit 2 KA7 - fragrances

Question 1

how can essential oils be extracted from plants

Answer 1

they can be extracted from suitable plant sources by steam distillation or solvent extraction

Question 2

what are essential oils

Answer 2

they are concentrated extracts of the volatile, non-water soluble aroma compounds from plants, and they are mixtures of many different compounds

Question 3

what are four uses of essential oils

Answer 3

• perfumes
• cosmetic products
• cleaning products
• flavourings in food

Question 4

what are terpenes

Answer 4

these are key components in most essential oils. they are unsaturated compounds formed by joining together isopropene units

Question 5

what is the systematic name for isopropene

Answer 5

2-methylbuta-1,3-diene

Question 6

can terpenes be oxidised within plants, and what does this produce

Answer 6

yes they can it produces some of the compounds responsibe for the distinctive aromas of spices

Question 7

what are terpenes components in

Answer 7

a wide variety of fruit and floral flavours and aromas