Maui3 - 12-9-2024 at 07:23
Hi everyone,
I’m an amateur chemist and I’m looking for some help with extracting apiole from parsley oil. According to Wikipedia, “In 1715, the Leipzig
pharmacist Heinrich Christoph Link discovered apiol during the steam distillation of parsley oil.” It also mentions that Link discovered the
substance as “greenish crystals reduced by steam from oil of parsley.”
I assume “reduced by steam” refers to steam distillation, but I’m confused about how apiole crystallizes out during this process, especially
since parsley oil has already been steam distilled from parsley.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
digga - 12-9-2024 at 09:02
Apiole solidifies @30C. Perhaps the crystallization is occurring in the receiver or the condenser. Once the steam liquifies, that apiole would
separate from the condensed water. If your condenser is cold enough, the crystals will build up in the condenser gumming up the works. As an
example, look at the production of methyl salicylate which involves steam distillation.
Maui3 - 12-9-2024 at 10:14
I will definetly try that, thanks!