Composition of Absolutes ofJasminum sambacL. Flowers Fractionated with Liquid CO2and Methanol and Comparison with Liquid CO2Extract

Abstract Absolutes obtained by fractionation of the pentane extract (concrete) of flowers of Jasminum sambac L. with cold methanol or liquid CO2 were compared. Direct extraction of flowers with liquid CO2 gave a relatively fat-free and superior product in 0.44% yield. It was found that the CO2 method of fractionation of pentane extract is a practical process providing an organoleptically superior product, though the product is not totally free from waxy substances. (E,E)-α-Farnesene and (Z)-3-hexenyl benzoate, along with compounds like indole, methyl anthranilate and methyl jasmonate, responsible for high diffusivity of the jasmine fragrance, have been obtained with improved recoveries in the CO2 fractionated concrete.