AP-161 – Oil of Catnip by Supercritical Fluid Extraction

AP-161 – Oil of Catnip by Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Dr. James Louey, Nathan Petersen, Dennis Salotti, Heather Shaeffer
Chemistry Department, Sacred Heart University 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06432-1000

Dr. Kenneth James, Supercritical Fluid Technologies, Inc. One Innovation Way, Suite 303, Newark, Delaware 19711; Tel: 302-738-3420 x201; Fax: 302-738-4320; E-mail: ken.james@supercriticalfluids.com 

Abstract

Supercritical fluids and in particular supercritical fluid carbon dioxide have shown to be a viable technology for a variety of extractions. While process conditions require high pressures, technological advances have now made it feasible to acquire such equipment for the laboratory. Traditionally, the oil of catnip has been isolated by steam distillation. Working with dried plant material, we have introduced supercritical fluid carbon dioxide as an alternative extraction medium. Results of our work including characterization of the major constituent components will be presented.