The traditional method for limonene extraction is steam distillation (essentiall
ID: 482060 • Letter: T
Question
The traditional method for limonene extraction is steam distillation (essentially, codistilling the limonene oil with water). Following the steam distillation, the limonene must be separated from water. A separatory funnel is used to extract limonene from the water layer into an organic layer (such as ether). Compare the greenness of the liquid CO2 extraction method to the traditional steam distillation method, highlighting at least two differences in the methods. Use the 12 principles of green chemistry to aid in your discussion. A few sentences should suffice.
Explanation / Answer
Steam distillation requires high energy input as energy is required to boil water to produce steam. The energy used combined with the dangers of heating large amounts of matter on an industrial level means that this process does not adhere to the principles of green chemistry.
CO2 is useful as a green alternative solvent because it provides environmental and safety advantages; it is nonflammable, relatively nontoxic, readily available, and environmentally benign. Processing with CO2 also results in minimal liability in the event of unintentional release or residual solvent in the product. Although CO2 is a greenhouse gas, when used as a solvent it is captured from the atmosphere, not generated, resulting in no net environmental harm.
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