Ethyl acetate, also known as acetic acid ethyl ester, is widely used for the extraction of caffeine and polyphenols from teas for the preparation of tea extracts and powders. It is associated with the use of water/vapor prior to and after extraction for washing and opening of the pores.
Ethyl acetate is derived as a result of the reaction between ethanol and acetic acid. Ethyl acetate is an ester and is a clear, volatile, flammable liquid, with a characterisic fruity odor and a pleasant taste when diluted.
After the caffeine and polyphenols are extracted into the ethyl acetate, a 1% (w/v) citric acid aqueous solution can be used to efficiently extract the caffeine from the organic solvent.
The raw materials are taken from natural origins, such as fruit. This process leaves a maximum carrier residue of 1 ppm or less, and a maximum caffeine residue of .08 percent, dry weight. The tea is 99.9 percent decaffeinated at the end of the process, and has an 8 percent maximum water content when leaving the factory. Decaffeinated Ceylon Black is processed in this manner.
Ethyl acetate process of decaffeination
