The fragrnance of flower is due to the presence of some steam volatile organic compounds called essential oils. These are generally insoluble in water at room temperature but are miscrible with water vapour in vapour phase. A suitable method for the extraction of these oils from the flower is

Options

A. Distillation
B. Crystallisation
C. Distillation under reduced pressure
D. Steam distillation

Answer

D

Explanation

As we know, essential oils are insoluble in water and have high vapour-pressure at 373K but are miscible with water-vapour in vapour phase, it means these are steam volatile. Hence, steam distillation technique is used for the extraction of essential oils.