Steam Distillation of Citral from Lemon Grass Oil

Steam Distillation of Citral from Lemon Grass Oil 

Purpose To isolate the natural product citral using the technique of steam distillation. 

Steam distillation involves the use of glassware that becomes very hot. Exercise care when handling hot glassware. 

Be certain that the steam distillate is cooled below 30 °C before extracting it with diethyl ether otherwise excessive pressure may develop in the separatory funnel and may blow out the stopper. 

Diethyl ether is exfreme/yflammable. Be certain that there are no flames in the vicinity during its use and its removal from the citral. 

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