The solvent extraction method is employed to extract components found in raw plant materials using organic solvents. Fragrance components are often more soluble in fat-soluble constituents, which allows these aromatic compounds to be extracted by dissolving them in an organic solvent. This method is primarily utilized for the extraction of fragrance components from flowers.
Once the fragrance components are dissolved in organic solvents, they are obtained as semi-solid substances known as “concretes” when the organic solvents evaporate. Concretes often contain wax and other substances alongside essential oil. To separate the wax components, ethanol is added, and then the ethanol is removed to obtain the essential oil. Sometimes, this substance is referred to as an “absolute” due to the possibility of traces of organic solvents remaining in the final product.
