[pantone159]

I am on the lookout for natural products (e.g. herbs, spices) that could make interesting chemistry experiments.
There are various places on the web that sell a variety of herbal things and I figure some should have interesting chemistry.

Examples:
Spearmint has (R)-(-)-carvone, while caraway seed has (S)-(+)-carvone, these mirror images smell different to most people.
Red cabbage is a pH indicator.
Turmeric/curcumin is also.
Tea contains caffeine.  (I am working on extract it now...)

Any other suggestions?

[joeflsts]

Mark,
Let me know how your caffeine extraction goes.  I did this not to long ago with okay results.

Joe

[billnotgatez]

I am getting a headache trying to search this forum for a past post on extracts of herbs. That link would have a discussion about the poisonous effects of herb and spice concentration. Someone else fine the link and post it.

[pantone159]

I did find this thread:
http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?board=9;action=display;threadid=3049;start=msg12617#msg12617

And I have to admit that I didn't search before I posted my question  

[Pelle]

How about steam-distilling spices/herbs and then doing separation of the compunds in the essential oil?

Fennel
Anise
Basil
Thyme
Nutmeg
Black pepper
Estragon
Rosemary
Lavendel
Cardamom
Dill
Parsley
Coriander

I could tell you loads more, but these are common and easy to get and work with. Some glassware and a vacuum source is a big plus...

At pharmacies around here you can get a mix of essential oils to make your own "glögg", which is  a kind of spiced wine you drink warm at christmas time.

[billnotgatez]

Mark Kness thank you

[science2000]

What's the solvent of choice for chemically extracting extracts from natural things? Denatured alcohol or acetone? (I could make chloroform...but, pass!)

[billnotgatez]

science2000 -
None of the ones you mentioned seems particularly tasty.

[science2000]

I and probably most people here don't have a lab full of exotic solvents. I do have a bathroom and garage chemicals.

[mike]

What about extracting eugenol from cloves?

[pantone159]

What's the solvent of choice for chemically extracting extracts from natural things?

I think that steam distillation is ideal, but I don't have the glassware now.

Alcohol (190 proof stuff sold as "Everclear") is my first choice solvent, less toxic than alternatives.

[billnotgatez]

Mark Kness - What about using 160 proof grain alcohol as in vodka?

science2000 – The solvents you mention might make the extracts toxic which I believe is not the goal of essential oil extraction for human utilization.

[Pelle]

I think that steam distillation is ideal, but I don't have the glassware now.

Yes, steam distillation can be pretty ideal. I highly recommend you get some glassware and equipment for that if you already have space for a lab. It's more fun too.

Just remember that essential oils and natural extracts are far from often suitable for consumption. Sometimes they are pretty toxic. I guess you already knew that, I just want to remind you and anyone who reads the thread about it.

[Borek]

I highly recommend you get some glassware and equipment for that if you already have space for a lab.

I don't suppose Mark wants to get arrested

[pantone159]

I don't suppose Mark wants to get arrested

Texas does have stupid glassware laws.  If I ever speak of a 'flask', that is a hypothetical comment.  I really would mean a beaker that is shaped like a flask.