Alkane Solvent Extraction for Odor-Faithful Perfume Concrete
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perfume extraction methods using fossil-based solvents like n-hexane result in chemical odors and altered fragrances, and yield unsatisfactory persistence and intensity of extracted odors, while green solvent alternatives like n-heptane and undecane/tridecane fail to meet odor quality and yield expectations.
Innovation Solution
A process using linear or branched alkane solvents with 8-15 carbon atoms, particularly 8-12 carbon atoms, to extract perfume concrete and absolute from solid natural materials, maintaining the original fragrance and enhancing yield, without leaving a chemical solvent odor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fossil-based solvents like n-hexane are used for extraction, then extraction efficiency and solubilizing power are improved, but chemical odor and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of solvent carbon chain length from conventional C6 (n-hexane) to C8-C15 alkanes. This parameter change fundamentally alters the solvent's odor profile (eliminating chemical petroleum ether odor) while maintaining extraction efficiency, as the longer carbon chain alkanes provide sufficient solubilizing power for odorous molecules without leaving unwanted chemical residues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available alkane solvents (n-octane, n-nonane, n-decane, n-undecane, n-dodecane) that can be easily removed through vacuum distillation. These solvents serve their extraction purpose effectively and are then completely eliminated from the final product, preventing any persistent chemical odor while maintaining high extraction productivity
2Reliability
If water is used for hydrodistillation, then extraction is avoided, but high boiling point detrimentally affects natural raw materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent property parameter from water (high boiling point 100°C) to alkane solvents with lower boiling points (n-octane 125°C, n-nonane 151°C, n-decane 174°C). This parameter change enables extraction at lower temperatures that do not detrimentally affect thermally sensitive natural raw materials, preserving their integrity while achieving effective extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alkane solvents as intermediary substances that facilitate the transfer of odorous molecules from natural raw materials without requiring high-temperature water contact. These intermediary solvents act as gentle carriers that extract fragrances at lower temperatures, avoiding the thermal damage associated with traditional hydrodistillation methods
3Object-generated harmful factors
If green solvents like n-heptane are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but odor quality and persistence are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the solvent parameter of carbon chain length by selecting C8-C15 alkanes instead of shorter chain alternatives like n-heptane (C7). This parameter optimization achieves the right balance: the solvents remain environmentally friendly and renewable while their specific chain length provides optimal interaction with fragrance molecules, delivering extracts with superior odor persistence and intensity comparable to conventional petroleum ether extractions
4Quantity of substance
If conventional solvents are used, then extraction yield is achieved, but fragrance fidelity to original material is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent composition parameter from complex petroleum ether mixtures to pure, well-defined alkane solvents (n-octane through n-dodecane). This parameter change ensures consistent and reproducible extraction yields while preserving fragrance fidelity, as the pure alkane solvents selectively extract odorous molecules without co-extracting unwanted components that would alter the original fragrance composition
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process preserves the natural fragrance of the starting material, achieves long-lasting and powerful odors, and provides high extraction yields comparable to or exceeding conventional solvents, with stable compounds resistant to external factors.
Implementation Method 1
extraction by non-polar volatile solvents, such as n-hexane, represents, for certain natural raw materials, a good technique for the extraction of odorous molecules, in particular owing to a good solubilizing power
Implementation Method 2
Separation by settling and then the evaporation under vacuum of the solvent 1 make it possible to obtain the 'concrete'
Implementation Method 3
the evaporation under vacuum of the solvent 1 make it possible to obtain the 'concrete'
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for preparing perfume concrete and/or absolute which employs bringing particular, fresh, withered or dry, solid natural material(s) into contact with a first system of solvents comprising at least one “green” alkane solvent comprising at least 8 carbon atoms. Another subject of the invention is the perfume concrete and the perfume absolute obtained by the preparation process, a composition comprising the concrete and/or the absolute, and the use of the “green” alkane solvent to extract the concrete and/or the absolute with no chemical odour of solvent odour type.