How to Extract Limonene From Oranges

Limonene is used in cosmetic products, cleansers and insect repellents. If you need limonene for a project in the home, you may want to extract it yourself rather than ordering from a supplier. There are several different methods for extracting oils (like limonene), however, a new method involving methanol is the simplest and requires the least material preparation.

Things You'll Need

• Orange peels
• Sharp knife or razor blade
• Methanol
• Test tube with stopper

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut the orange peels into small strips with the knife or razor. Make your pieces approximately .1 grams in mass.

• 2

  Place the strips into the test tube. Fill with approximately 5ml of methanol.

• 3

  Cap the tube and shake vigorously for five minutes.

• 4

  Let the tube stand for five minutes.

• 5

  Dilute the solution 10:1 with water.