The Influence of Solvent and Extraction Time on Yield and Chemical Selectivity of Cuticular Waxes from Quercus suber Leaves

The cuticular lipid compounds, usually named waxes, present in the layering of Quercus suber adult leaves were extracted with solvents different polarities (n-hexane, dichloromethane and acetone) analysed by GC–MS. Q. have a substantial wax layer (2.8% leaf mass 239 μg/cm2), composed predominantly terpenes (43–63% all compounds), followed aliphatic long chain molecules, mainly fatty acids, smaller amounts alcohols n-alkanes. major identified compound was lupeol (1.2% n-hexane extract). recovery composition lipids depended on solvent extraction time. non-polar or weak polar similar yields (77% 86% total extract, respectively) while acetone solubilised other cellular namely sugars, compounds representing 43% extract. For extraction, low polarity such as are more suitable an adequate duration, e.g., minimum 3 h.