Supercritical fluid extraction of Z-sabinene hydrate-rich essential oils from Romanian Mentha hybrids

The green solvent SC-CO2 was used to extract the volatile part, rich in the rmolabile compounds, Z-sabinene hydrate and its acetate, from a Romanian mi nt hybrid. The best yield, 2.26%, was obtained at 92-94 bar, 50 degreesC (S FE 2). Kinetic study of SC-CO2 extraction and hydrodistillation and monitor ing by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC -MS) analysis established optimal conditions for SC-CO2 extracts with a hig h content of Z-sabinene hydrate (43.5%) and its acetate (19.15%) and flavor similar to plant material (P = 90-100 bar, T = 50 degreesC). Only at the b eginning of hydrodistillation was it possible to obtain a high content of Z -sabinene hydrate (37.3%, after 70 min), but a high content of its acetate never could be reached. This study suggests a way to obtain Z-sabinene hydr ate from a natural source and reveals the importance of mild conditions to keep what is valuable in nature.