The solvent extraction process is widely used for obtaining essential oils from plant materials, such as sandalwood (primarily Santalum album). This method leverages the principle of solubility, where certain solvents can dissolve the essential oil components from the wood.Solvent Extraction Process:1. Preparation of Raw Material:o Harvesting: High-quality sandalwood is harvested, usually in the form of chips or powder.2. Selection of Solvent:o Common solvents include hexane & ethanol. Each has different properties influencing the extraction efficiency and purity of the oil.3. Extraction:o Extraction Vessel: The dried sandalwood chips are placed in an extraction vessel.o Solvent Addition: The solvent is added to the vessel. The solvent penetrates the wood matrix, dissolving the essential oil.4. Separation:o Filtration: The mixture is filtered to separate the solid residues from the solvent containing the dissolved oils.o Evaporation: The solvent is evaporated using heat or vacuum distillation, leaving behind the concentrated sandalwood oil.5. Purification:o Further purification may involve additional distillation or filtration to remove any remaining solvent traces or impurities.Chemical Composition of Sandalwood OilSandalwood oil is known for its rich, woody aroma and is composed of various chemical constituents. The main components include:1. Santalols:o α-Santalol: Approximately 50-60% of the oil, responsible for its characteristic fragrance and therapeutic properties.o β-Santalol: Present in smaller amounts, contributing to the overall scent profile.2. Sesquiterpenes:o Santalene: Another significant component that adds to the oil's woody aroma.o Globulol: Contributes to the depth of scent.3. Other Compounds:o Aldehydes: Such as sandalwood aldehyde, contribute to the fragrance.o Alcohols: Other alcohols and minor components may be present, influencing the oil's sensory attributes.4. Chemical Properties:o Solubility: Sandalwood oil is soluble in alcohol and oils, making it suitable for various applications in perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. The solvent extraction of sandalwood oil is an effective method for obtaining this valuable product, with a complex chemical composition that contributes to its unique fragrance and therapeutic properties.
