Extraction of aroma compounds in blackcurrant buds by alternative solvents: Theoretical and experimental solubility study

This study was designed to evaluate the performance of nine alternative solvents (α-pinene, MeTHF, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, ethyl lactate, butanol, isopropanol, ethanol and CO₂ supercritical fluid) for extracting aromas from blackcurrant buds (Ribes nigrum L) compared to that of n-hexane, commonly used. This study has been performed via experimentation and simulation using Hansen solubility methodology for the comprehension of the dissolving mechanism. Experimentally, the extracts were analysed to compare the solvents performance in terms of aroma compositions. The results indicated that an alternative solvent, i.e. MeTHF, could be the most promising one for n-hexane substitution with good yield and selectivity of aromas.