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Questions and Answers
What is a characteristic of essential oils?
What is a characteristic of essential oils?
Which method is used to obtain essential oils?
Which method is used to obtain essential oils?
What are terpenes and terpenoids?
What are terpenes and terpenoids?
What is a characteristic of aromatic compounds?
What is a characteristic of aromatic compounds?
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What are some sources of aromatic compounds?
What are some sources of aromatic compounds?
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What is a use of essential oils?
What is a use of essential oils?
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Study Notes
Volatile Oil Classification
Essential Oils
- Definition: Concentrated plant extracts containing volatile compounds responsible for the plant's aroma and flavor.
- Characteristics:
- Highly concentrated (often 50-100 times more concentrated than the plant material)
- Volatile (easily evaporated)
- Typically clear or pale yellow liquids
- Obtained through various methods, including:
- Steam distillation
- Solvent extraction
- Expression (cold pressing)
- Used in:
- Aromatherapy
- Perfumery
- Flavorings
- Pharmaceuticals
Aromatic Compounds
- Definition: Organic compounds responsible for the aroma and flavor of plants.
- Types:
- Terpenes (e.g., pinene, limonene)
- Terpenoids (modified terpenes, e.g., menthol, camphor)
- Phenolic compounds (e.g., vanillin, eugenol)
- Aldehydes (e.g., citral, vanillin)
- Esters (e.g., linalyl acetate)
- Characteristics:
- Volatile and fragrant
- Often responsible for the plant's defense mechanisms
- Can have pharmacological effects (e.g., antibacterial, anti-inflammatory)
- Found in:
- Essential oils
- Spices
- Herbs
- Flowers
- Fruits
Volatile Oil Classification
Essential Oils
- Definition: Concentrated plant extracts responsible for aroma and flavor.
- Characteristics:
- Highly concentrated (50-100 times more concentrated than plant material).
- Volatile (easily evaporated).
- Typically clear or pale yellow liquids.
- Obtainment:
- Steam distillation.
- Solvent extraction.
- Expression (cold pressing).
- Uses:
- Aromatherapy.
- Perfumery.
- Flavorings.
- Pharmaceuticals.
Aromatic Compounds
- Definition: Organic compounds responsible for aroma and flavor in plants.
- Types:
- Terpenes (e.g., pinene, limonene).
- Terpenoids (modified terpenes, e.g., menthol, camphor).
- Phenolic compounds (e.g., vanillin, eugenol).
- Aldehydes (e.g., citral, vanillin).
- Esters (e.g., linalyl acetate).
- Characteristics:
- Volatile and fragrant.
- Responsible for plant defense mechanisms.
- Can have pharmacological effects (e.g., antibacterial, anti-inflammatory).
- Found in:
- Essential oils.
- Spices.
- Herbs.
- Flowers.
- Fruits.
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Description
Learn about the characteristics and uses of essential oils, including their concentration, volatility, and extraction methods. Quiz yourself on the properties and applications of these plant extracts.
