Pengaruh Lama Waktu Penyulingan terhadap Randemen dan Kualitas Kayu Putih di PMKP Tonjong

Abstract

Kayu Putih (Malaleuca leucadendra) is an important essential oil producing tree because the raw material for Cajuput oil is much needed by local and world markets. This study aims to determine the effect of the length of time to distill Kayu Putih leaves on the yield and quality of Kayu Putih oil (Cajuput oil). This study used a factorial randomized complete design with one factor. Each treatment was repeated three times. The results showed that the 3-hour distillation time produced a lower yield (0.61%) compared to the 3.5-hour distillation time (0.67%) and the 4-hour distillation time (0.71%). While the color quality of eucalyptus oil produced is clear greenish. The odor produced at a distillation time of 3 hours; 3.5 hours and 4 hours has a distinctive odor of eucalyptus oil. Specific gravity at 20^oC of the 3-hour distillation time (0.902); 3.5 hours (0.903) and 4 hours (0.902). Refractive index produced from 3 hours distillation time (1.468); 3.5 hours (1.468) and 4 hours (1.468). The solubility in 80% ethanol obtained from the distillation time was clear. Optical rotation obtained from the distillation time of 3 hours (-3.572); 3.5 hours (-3.832) and 4 hours (-3.722). Sineol content resulted from the distillation time of 3 hours (57.24%); 3.5 hours (55.91%) and 4 hours (53.39%). The conclusion of this study is that the longer the distillation time, the greater the yield produced, while the longer the distillation time, the worse the quality of the resulting sineol content.  The suggestion from this research is that the ideal time for the distillation process at PMKP Tonjong uses a distillation time of 3.5 hours. It is proven that a distillation time of 3.5 hours produces Kayu Putih oil with good yield and quality according to SNI.