How concentrated cinnamon oil is prepared in laboratory
The preparation of concentrated cinnamon oil in a laboratory typically involves the following steps:
1. Obtaining cinnamon bark: Cinnamon oil is derived from the bark of cinnamon trees. Cinnamon bark can be obtained from various sources, such as cinnamon tree farms or commercial suppliers.
2. Grinding the bark: The cinnamon bark is usually dried and then ground into a fine powder using mortar and pestle or a mechanical grinder. This increases the surface area and facilitates the extraction of oil.
3. Extraction: There are several methods to extract the essential oil from the cinnamon bark. One common method is steam distillation. In this process, the powdered bark is mixed with water and then heated. The steam generated passes through the bark, carrying the volatile cinnamon oil with it. The steam is then condensed, and the oil and water are separated.
4. Concentration: The obtained cinnamon oil may still contain impurities or water content. To concentrate the oil, it can be subjected to a process called fractional distillation. Fractional distillation involves heating the oil to separate its components based on their boiling points. The desired fraction with a higher concentration of cinnamon oil can be collected.
5. Purification: To remove any impurities or remaining water content, the concentrated cinnamon oil can go through further purification steps, such as filtration or drying using desiccants.
6. Packaging and storage: The final concentrated cinnamon oil is then typically stored in dark-colored glass bottles or containers to protect it from light and heat, as these can degrade the quality of the oil. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
It is important to note that the exact details of the process may vary depending on the laboratory and the specific equipment available. Additionally, working with essential oils requires proper safety precautions, as they can be highly concentrated and potentially hazardous if mishandled.