Orange flower water absolute

After separation of neroli oil, the aqueous layer of the steam distillate, known as orange blossom water, is extracted with suitable solvents (e.g., petroleum ether). Evaporation gives orange flower water absolute (absolue de Teau de fleurs d oranger), which is a dark brown-red liquid. It contains less terpene hydrocarbons and correspondingly more polar compounds than neroli oil. 

Use An essential component of the classical Eaux de Toilette (Eau de Cologne), on account of its price, however, it is used in very small amounts only. The distillation water ( O. water ) occurring as a by-product of the distillation is also much used for aromatization of products. Extraction with hexane yields the so-called orange flower water absolute (absolue des fleurs d oranger de I eau), which is mainly used to improve the aromatic character of foods, e.g., liquors. 

So far only the oils obtained from citms fruits have been taken into account. Additionally, essential oils of the leaves, twigs and blossoms of citrus species are also available. Water vapour distillates of leaves and twigs are called petitgrain oils, while the distillate of orange blossoms is commercially available as neroli oil. Furthermore, also an orange flower absolute is produced from orange blossoms [2]. 

C, IH, gO, Mr 164.25. a pale yellow oil with a jasmin(e) odor resembling that of celery. Bp. 134-135 °C (1.6 kPa), LD50 (rat p. o.) 5 g/kg, soluble in alcohol and other organic solvents, practically insoluble in water. Occurrence With ca. 3% content in jasmin(e) absolute J. is one of the decisive compounds for jasmin(e) odor and is also contained, among others, in orange flower absolute, peppermint oils, and tea flavor. For synthesis, see LiV. ... 

Occurrence The main component of rose absolute and rose water occurs in small amounts in many flavors and essential oils, e. g., beer, cocoa, and tea flavor, as well as geranium, neroli [see orange flower absolute (oil)], and ylang-ylang oil. Frequently, P. occurs in glycosidic form. ... 

A third, less important product of the same family is orange flower absolute from water, which is produced by solvent— extraction of the distillation waters from neroli production. Its odor characteristics are less iloral, more herbal and stem-like than both neroli oil and orange flower absolute. 

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