Question

Tannin is extracted from tree barks by leaching with:

• A. Alkaline solution
• B. Acidic solution
• C. Hot water
• D. Organic solvents

Hint:

Tannins are water-soluble polyphenols, and hot water is the best leaching agent due to its ability to break down plant cell walls and dissolve tannins effectively.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Tannins are a group of polyphenolic compounds that are widely distributed in plant tissues, especially in bark, leaves, and fruit skins.
They are water-soluble and can be effectively extracted using simple leaching techniques.
Hot water is the most suitable and traditionally used solvent for extracting tannins from tree barks.
The use of hot water increases the solubility of tannins and helps to break down plant cell walls, facilitating faster and more efficient diffusion of the tannins into the solvent.
Let’s evaluate the other options:
- Alkaline solution: May degrade tannins or convert them into undesirable products.
- Acidic solution: Not typically used as acids may hydrolyze some tannins and affect their functionality.
- Organic solvents: Generally used for extracting non-polar compounds, while tannins are highly polar and hydrophilic.
Therefore, hot water is the ideal and efficient medium for tannin leaching from plant materials like bark.