Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Wesley Flewelling, Sophomore Cooper Davis, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Wesley Flewelling
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Jenny Vu
Abstract
Lemongrass is known for its distinctive fragrance, which arises from a combination of four key compounds: limonene, geranial, geraniol, and beta-myrcene. While aromatic compounds were historically classified by their scent, modern classification is based on the presence of a benzene ring, meaning not all fragrant compounds are technically aromatic. Among the four compounds in lemongrass, only limonene meets this structural definition. This study explores the chemical composition of lemongrass oil and its extraction process. To extract the organic compounds the creation of a hydrosol from the lemongrass plant is needed. This process involves steam distillation followed by separation of organic layers to yield a purified essential oil. Understanding the role of these compounds in fragrance production as well as the process undergone has implications for both the perfume and food industries.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Lemongrass Organic Compounds
Lemongrass is known for its distinctive fragrance, which arises from a combination of four key compounds: limonene, geranial, geraniol, and beta-myrcene. While aromatic compounds were historically classified by their scent, modern classification is based on the presence of a benzene ring, meaning not all fragrant compounds are technically aromatic. Among the four compounds in lemongrass, only limonene meets this structural definition. This study explores the chemical composition of lemongrass oil and its extraction process. To extract the organic compounds the creation of a hydrosol from the lemongrass plant is needed. This process involves steam distillation followed by separation of organic layers to yield a purified essential oil. Understanding the role of these compounds in fragrance production as well as the process undergone has implications for both the perfume and food industries.