Which method uses organic solvents like hexane and carbon dioxide to extract essential oils?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Prepare for the Toxicology E3R Exam with interactive quizzes. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions, each complete with explanations to ensure understanding. Enhance your readiness and excel on your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which method uses organic solvents like hexane and carbon dioxide to extract essential oils?

Explanation:
Solvent extraction relies on dissolving the plant’s essential oils in a liquid solvent, such as hexane (and, in modern variants, supercritical CO2). The plant material is treated with the solvent, which pulls out the oil and other soluble components. The solvent is then removed by evaporation, yielding the essential oil. This approach is used when heat would damage or alter the oils, or when you want to recover a broader range of constituents. Distillation uses steam and heat to vaporize components, cold pressing uses mechanical rupture to release oils, and aerosolization isn’t a typical extraction method.

Solvent extraction relies on dissolving the plant’s essential oils in a liquid solvent, such as hexane (and, in modern variants, supercritical CO2). The plant material is treated with the solvent, which pulls out the oil and other soluble components. The solvent is then removed by evaporation, yielding the essential oil. This approach is used when heat would damage or alter the oils, or when you want to recover a broader range of constituents. Distillation uses steam and heat to vaporize components, cold pressing uses mechanical rupture to release oils, and aerosolization isn’t a typical extraction method.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy