The selection of ratio of alcohol and water for making liquid perfumes
The main solvent for the preparation of classic perfume liquids is concentrated ethanol (95-96%) or diluted ethanol with water (alcohol of various vol.%).
Vol.% - this is the ethanol content as a percentage by volume in any alcohol solution.
The percentage of alcohol-water solution and perfume composition is selected individually for each specific product. The strength of alcohol for the preparation of perfume liquid depends on the concentration of aromatic substances of the composition and their ability to dissolve in it. Poorly soluble fragrance substances (for example, natural resins, balms) hinder the solubility of the perfume composition, impart turbidity to the liquid with excess water in the composition). The more perfume composition (especially consisting of natural substances), the more alcohol and less water is needed for better solubility and a clear liquid.
Technically, the alcohol strength is set as follows. One part of the composition is dissolved in 2-9 parts of alcohol (95-96.5) and little by little, stirring, add as much water as is necessary to obtain a slight opalescence. After that, another 0.3 parts of alcohol is added to the mixture, or a minimum amount of alcohol, which is necessary for the secondary achievement of transparency. This way, the necessary alcohol strength is established in the laboratory.