Is There Such a Thing As a Volatile Vs Non Volatile Chemistry?

Is There Such a Thing As a Volatile Vs Non Volatile Chemistry?We have all heard of the volatility and non-volatility of a product being used in an alcohol extract. This is just one of the common mistakes made by those attempting to use an alcohol extract, or even a liquid the company is marketing for that purpose. The reasoning behind using a volatile or nonvolatile chemistry is that it is more effective for your solvent extraction.Volatile will certainly be higher in molecular weight than non volatile but then again so will hydroxyl. So, why use volatile instead of nonvolatile? To put it simply, the reaction between the alcohol and solvent is more efficient with volatile chemistry.Alcohol molecules are larger than hydroxyl molecules. They can become bigger when they react with the solvent at high temperatures. Water molecules tend to lock into place at high temperatures, which is what is happening here. Of course, most of us know that when we cut a water molecule it is smaller than the rest, but what we do not realize is that the molecular weight difference is enough to be successful at separating the two.So how does that translate to our solvent extraction? A reduction or split will take place with water molecules, but then the alcohol molecules will continue to separate themselves, resulting in the oil to be left on the bottom. So, by using a volatile or nonvolatile chemistry you will get a product that has a much higher yield.There are many more variables to consider when using a volatile versus non volatile chemistry. Let's take the process of extracting waxes into consideration. It is relatively easy to make a batch of wax mixture and allow it to soak in for a long period of time.There are three different types of a glycerin vapor extractor that you can use. First is the open system which makes use of a wick that sticks to the outer wall of the chamber. Second is the closed system which are powered by the open system and is less costly. And third is the t hermostatic system which is powered by a fan which blows away hot air that tends to overheat the wick.It should be noted that when using a glycerin extraction process that there are still a few variables that you should be aware of. For example, the method of how long the mixture stays in the chamber before it is transferred back out is very important. Some extraction systems recommend that the mixture remain in the chamber for seven days, while others suggest using a five day period.So the answer to the question, is there such a thing as a volatile or nonvolatile chemistry? You definitely can, but there is also another factor you should take into consideration, as well.