AOAC Official Method 942.08 Essential Oil in Emulsion

First Action 1942
Final Action 1992

A. Apparatus
Use modified oil separator trap, Figure 942.08, connected to 500 mL round-bottom flask through standard taper 24/40 joint, and equipped with tight fitting condenser having projection at bottom to facilitate return of oil to trap.

B. Determination
Weigh 5–10 mL test sample containing £2 mL essential oil in tared glass-stoppered graduate. Transfer to the 500 mL flask containing ca 200 mL H2O, rinsing graduate by shaking with several 5 mL portions H2O. Add rinsings to flask.

Fill oil trap with H2O to overflowing, connect to flask and condenser,and carefully boil 1 h. Remove heat and let stand several minutes. Remove enough H2O from trap to bring oil layer within graduations, let stand 5 min to complete drainage, and measure amount of oil from bottom of lower meniscus to highest point of upper meniscus.