Question

What solvents are used to extract essential oils?

(a) Petroleum ether

(b) Ammonia

(c) Water

(d) Distilled water

I have been asked this question in a job interview.

This interesting question is from Size Reduction in chapter Size Reduction of Food Processing Unit Operations

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) Petroleum ether

To explain: Essential oils are extracted by using solvents like ethanol, petroleum ether, hexane, and methanol. They have easy oil recovery, narrow boiling point and also have exceptional solubilizing capability.