Liquid CO2 extraction of flowers and fractionation of floral concrete of Michelia champaca Linn

► The floral concrete and absolute obtained by partial precipitation of wax may not be suitable for use in pharmaceuticals or high grade perfumery because of the presence of organic solvent residues. ► The liquid CO2 fractionation of concrete, however, affords absolute with similar composition but free from solvent residues. Further liquid CO2 fraction of concrete is organoleptically superior compared with absolute obtained in the conventional way. ► The extraction of flowers in liquid CO2 gave higher yield of valuable components with less percentage of waxy materials. Because bulk density of flowers is low, large liquid CO2 plant is required for commercial scale production, making CO2 fractionation of concrete an attractive alternative. ► The liquid CO2 first fraction of the concrete is enriched in benzenoids and terpenoids. The extract is compared with direct liquid CO2 extract of the flowers.