BzCHO from Apricot Kernel Oil

Guest · Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:16 pm

This is something that has held my curiosity for quite some time now,
As we all know Bitter Almond Oil, contains a very high % BzCHO,

But upon searching for any commentry on A.K.O(apricot kernel oil)
nothing came up,

If anyone has any inforamtion regading this, it will be mostly appreciated,

This will be a great "Little Sister", to the Cassia Oil --- BzCHO synth,

syn

jsumner · Wed Mar 23, 2005 7:37 pm

Apircots and almonds are related. The kernal, seed inside the fruit, of an apricot is frequently used in recipes as a replacement for almonds. The peach kernal is also used. I would venture a guess that bitter almond oil and apricot kernal oil are one in the same but may vary somewhat depending on the vendor.

I hope some of that helps.

JS

Guest · Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:47 am

http://v3.espacenet.com/textdes?DB=EPODOC&IDX=WO2004017981&F=0&QPN=WO2004017981

The present invention relates to the useful method for the optimum extraction condition of amygdalin from Persicae Semen or Armeniacae Semen. Persicae semen is the herb medicine that contains amygdalin as a major ingredient. It has been generally used as a lubricant or an anti-platelet agglutineting agent in traditional oriental medicine. Amygdalin in water is decomposed into benzaldehyde, HCN, and glucose by emulsin, a hydrolysis enzyme in Persicae semen. A useful and practical method for the optimum extraction condition of amygdalin without enzymatic hydrolysis is required. We can be able to provide the optimum extraction condition for maximum extraction yield of amygdalin from Persicae semen and extracted amygdalin, not only controling with the cutting size of Persicae semen but also using the water which has the temperature of boiling point or the acid containing aqueous solution in order not to be decomposed by emulsin, a hydrolysis enzyme in Persicae semen.

http://v3.espacenet.com/textdes?DB=EPODOC&IDX=WO9620716&F=0&QPN=WO9620716
same as above but more involved.

They mention apricots

http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/bpc1911/prunus-dulc_oleu.html

For the industrious who live near an apricot grove, or have access to apricot pits, most of commercial bitter almond oil comes not from bitter almonds but from, yeah, you guessed it, banana skins..NO! ..apricot stones.. many volatle(sp?) oil processes, but a common technique for these pits is to mash the meat collected from the shelled stones, with salt for 24hrs to draw up the oil, then steamdistill the oil over.
This is purely from memory, mind you, but there are some great books available on oils for the home aromatherapist, etc. Quite a rewarding, and legal, hobby I might add

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

the benzaldehyde of bitter almonds, cherry, apricot and peach pits is in the form of a mandelonitrile glucoside, amygdalin. mashing them and adding a little cold water will not only produce benzaldehyde, but HCN as well, as the seeds also contain an enzyme that makes that happen. benzaldehyde distilled from this mash will contain a little HCN, which was separated chemically back in the day. black cherry and related species leaf mash concoctions were used as a poison for a long time, they contain the closely related glucoside prunasin.

This is an exerpt form WD,
Excellent , clear well written post

syn

nubee · Master Archiver

from what ive found out about this (which is not much, but prob all ther is to it) Wink

-cold pressed apricot kernal oil (the most common) has no benzaldehyde.

-the kernals must be steam distilled, to get the benzd.

jackoozzi · specialist

The way i understand it is that you should be able to steam distill cold pressed apricot kernal oil to get benzaldehyde

Its not that it is not there, its a different chemical(that i cant remember the name of)that breaks down to benzaldehyde in the hot steam

Guest · Mon May 30, 2005 7:47 am

I believe what happens is that the BzCHO is locked inside, the amygablin, and when this is hydrolysed, with a mild base or just water,(steam distillation)

The BzCHO is released,
I would think a reflux for an hour or so, then steam distill,

Syn

nubee · Master Archiver

maybe, and would be very interesting to find out as apricot kernal oil is very cheap abundant and of top quality... Laughing

nubee · Master Archiver

noticed apricot kernals for sale in a f&v store for $7.95 au for 100 g's ,

does anyone know yield details as to whether this is cost effective, as kilo's are available...

note: Apricot kernels and bitter almond kernels have a content of amygdalin of about 3-4% by weight

also found online : Whole Apricot Kernels 1kg for $17...

nubee · Master Archiver

and then this:

Process for preparing natural benzaldehyde and acetaldehyde

but note:

Natural benzaldehyde has been used in natural cherry flavors in the form of an apricot kernel derivative as is taught in U.S. Let. Pat. No. 1,416,128 issued on May 16, 1922. An undesirable feature of the known processes for preparing natural benzaldehyde from apricot kernels or reground press cake is that along with the benzaldehyde, toxic hydrocyanic acid is produced which must be separated completely from the benzaldehyde and from the rest of the oil prior to use.

thus wanted: U.S. Let. Pat. No. 1,416,128 issued on May 16, 1922