Question

Is steam distillation used to isolate limonene?

(a) True

(b) False

This question was posed to me during an interview.

My doubt is from Steam Distillation in portion Distillation of Food Processing Unit Operations

Answer 1

Right answer is (a) True

To elaborate: Limonene is a high-boiling liquid which decomposes under the high heat therefore steam distillation is used to obtain essential oils, as distillation of co-mixture of oil and water at a lower boiling point.