Supercritical fluid extraction of t-resveratrol and other phenolics from a spiked solid

Supercritical fluid extraction of spiked phenolics including gallic acid, (+)-catechin, (–)-epicatechin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, myricetin, t-resveratrol, quercetin and salicylic acid from an inert support using pure CO₂ and methanol-carbon dioxide mixtures was studied. Extraction and collection variables including modifier percentage, extraction temperature, flow rate, extraction time, trap packing and rinse solvent were optimized. The study revealed that the use of methanol as modifier was mandatory. Only the less hydroxylated compounds such as p-coumaric acid, t-resveratrol and salicylic acid could be quantitatively recovered (mean recovery ≥ 95%) from spiked diatomaceous earth. Mean recoveries of more polar phenolic acids and flavonoids such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, catechins and quercetin were between 30% and 70%. Myricetin was not recovered at all. Received: 19 June 1997 / Revised: 20 October 1997 / Accepted: 26 October 1997