Liquid CO 2 Extraction of Jasminum grandiflorum and Comparison with Conventional Processes

Abstract

The concrete (0.35%) of Jasminum grandiflorum L. flowers was prepared by extraction in n-pentane, and the absolute (0.27%) by fractionation of the n-pentane extract (concrete) with cold methanol. Direct extraction of flowers with liquid CO₂ gave a relatively fat-free product in 0.26% yield. The liquid CO₂ extract was enriched with terpenoids and benzenoids, thus providing the organoleptically accepted product. The major compounds, such as benzyl acetate, (E,E)-α-farnesene and (Z)-3-hexenyl benzoate, along with compounds like indole, methyl anthranilate, (Z)-jasmone, (Z)-methyl jasmonoate and (Z)-methyl epi-jasmonoate, are responsible for the high diffusivity of the jasmine fragrance. These compounds have been obtained with improved recoveries in the liquid CO₂ extract. On the other hand, the yield of the essential oil was poor (0.05%), and some polar compounds (oxygenated terpenoids) were recovered in less amounts in comparison with either the n-pentane or liquid CO₂ extract.