Liquified dimethyl ether (DME): A green solvent for the extraction of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed oil

The remarkable nutritional value and health benefits of hemp seeds and their oil extract are well documented. In this study, we explored the use of liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) as a method for obtaining hemp seed oil from hulled hemp seeds. The resulting yields were higher using this ether in comparison to conventional organic solvents. The oil was acquired in high purity, with its fatty acid content characterized via ¹H NMR analysis. The process developed is simple to set up, cost effective, does not require using a rotary evaporator; and importantly, allows for facile recovery of the DME without traces of solvent remaining in the crude.