Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

name         Bunny O.
status       student
age          12

Question -   What makes the orange fruit peel melt a Polystyrene foam? What
composed of it?
---------------------------
Bunny,

The chemical compounds present in oils from citrus fruits are numerous and
complex. Some of them can act as a solvent for Polystyrene foam. Thus, they may
soften and dissolve the plastic.

Regards,
ProfHoff 553
==============================================================
Orange peel (and lemon peel also) dissolve, rather than "melt" Polystyrene foam
because of the oils present in the peels. These oils dissolve the foam
structure and the Polystyrene foam appears to "melt". The effect is even more
spectacular if you use hot water (eg. hot tea). You can actually see the cup
disintegrate at the level of the surface, because the oils have a lower
density, and are not very soluble, in water. the oils are a complex mixture.
The main chemical components of Lemon oil are: Limonene, Citronella,
Phellandrene, Citral and Citroptene.

Vince Calder
==============================================================