Extraction of an essential oil from fresh cananga flowers (Cananga odorata) using solvent-free microwave method

The essential oil extraction from fresh flowers of cananga plant is examined using orthodox procedures like hydro-distillation, steam hydro-distillation, and steam distillation They all require a longer time to produce a quality oil. The present research focuses on factors that affect cananga oil extraction using solvent-free microwave method aiming a maximum yield within a short period of time. The factors determining an optimum effect refer to a microwave power of 380W, a ratio (F/D) of the raw material mass and the distiller volume (a round bottom flask) of 0.10 g/mL, and a size of the undamaged raw material of ±4.5 cm. The definitive factors presumed by RSM refer to a microwave power of 380 W, a F/D ratio of 0.10 g/mL, and a material size of 3.23 cm. They provide a basil oil yield of 3.93 %. According to the physical properties examination, the cananga oil density and solubility in an alcohol are in an agreement with the quality standard SNI 06-3949-1995. The GC-MS examination proves that the components of the oil from fresh cananga flowers are in an agreement with those of previous studies. The use of the solvent-free microwave extraction technique produces a better distinctive smell. In conclusion, the results of this research imply that the use of the compound-free microwave technique for extraction of an essential oil from fresh cananga flowers is an effective procedure whose product's properties are in accord with the standards applied. It can have an industrial application.