Lavandin Concrète, decolorized

#### Lavandin Concrète, decolorized. The intensely green color of **Lavandin**** ****Concrète**** **(benzene or petroleum ether extract) can be of some disadvantage, e.g. when this material goes into a perfume for a white or cream-colored soap and the concentration of Lavandin Concrète in the perfume exceeds a few percent. Various methods of decolorization are utilized, but a total removal of all coloring matter without seriously affecting the odor is well-nigh impossible. The majority of the chlorophyll and related substances can be removed, but even this process affects the odor. Charcoal treatment and subsequent filtration of the hydrocarbon solution of the concrète yields an olive-green product, whose color is much less intense than that of the natural concrète. Extraction of the herb with petroleum ether gives a lighter colored concrète than in the case of extraction with benzene or gasoline. There are several snow-white **Lavandin Concrètes **on the market, but their olfactory properties show a substantial difference from those of the green concrètes. In some cases, the white concrètes are merely compositions of lavandin oil, myristic acid, traces of coumarin, methyleugenol, etc., and they have a much thinner odor (less "body") and poorer performance on soap than have the green concrètes. A partially decolorized **Lavandin Concrète **is preferable. It offers a "happy medium" similar to that in the case of oakmoss: a fair reduction in color intensity, and still a good odor performance. **Colorless**** **or **Decolorized**** ****Lavandin**** ****Concrète**** **has not attained the same importance as its green parent substance, and it will probably remain a small item on the market, used mainly by those who need a colorless perfume and still want a Iavandin-concrète effect.