Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation of Aquilaria Subintegra

Abstract

Alternative extraction method by using the microwave-assisted hyrodistillation (MAHD) method is used to extract essential oil from agarwood. The effect of microwave power of 300, 400, 600, and 800 watt (W) and irradiation time of 5 hours on the extraction of agarwood essential oil were studied. The quality of the oil and the identification of its compounds were further analysed using GC-MS. The highest yield obtained from MAHD is at 600 W which is 0.13 %, while the yield for HD is 0.135 %. At 600 W, the time required for the sample to boil is within 20 – 25 minutes and oil started to produce within 15 – 20 minutes after boiling. Two compounds commonly identified in the extracted oil includes 6-Octen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, propanoate or knowns as Citronellyl propionate which have a floral scent and Azulene,1,2,3,3a,4,5,6,7- octahydro-1,4-dimethyl-7(gurjunene) or ?-Gurjunene which have a musty-woody odour. The experimental results show a shorter operation time and a higher yield result from higher extraction rates for MAHD which is equivalent to 7 hours HD extraction.