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

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

• A. solvent extraction
• B. distillation
• C. cold pressing
• D. aerosolization

Answer: (A)

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.