The Chemistry of Smells
Click on any group to see their smells!
Alkanes
C - C - C
- C - O - C
||
Esters
- C - O - H
||
Carboxylic Acids
Hydroxyl
- O - H
Aldehydes +Ketone
- C -
||
- N -
Amines
Alkanes
Alkanes are single-bonded chains of Carbon atoms
H - C - C - C - C - H
These typically have no smell, but when they do they have a gasoline or a slighly sweet scent.
CONTINUE
Alkanes
Cyclohexane
Cyclopentane
Octane
Alcohols
Hydroxyls (alcohols) are the O-H functional group.
H - C - C - C - C - O - H
They have lots of variation! They don't all smell like rubbing alcohol; some smell sweet and others have a grassy smell.These smells are highly dependent on the shape of the molecule!
CONTINUE
Alcohols
Isopropyl Alcohol
Menthol
Hexanol
Nonanol
Octan-3-ol
Aldehydes/Ketones
Aldehydes are a double-bonded oxygen at the very end of the molecule, whereas the Ketone is a double-bonded oxygen near the center.
H - C - C - C - C - H
Just like the hydroxyl group, it is very important to look at the shape when determining the smell! Aldeydes can be fruity, minty, and even like baked bread!
CONTINUE
Aldehydes/Ketones
2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline
Nonenal
Hexenal
Butanal
2-methylpropanal
Acetophenone
Vanillin
Cinnamaldehyde
Benzaldehyde
Esters
Esters are the molecules with two oxygen atoms, pointed toward the center of the molecule.
H - C - O - C - C - H
These are the SWEETEST of all! So many fruity smells come from this fantastic group of molecules.
CONTINUE
Esters
Ethyl butanoate
Propyl ethanoate
Methylbenzoate
Methyl propanoate
Sotolone
2-Methylpropyl ethanoate
Benzyl acetate
Butyl acetate
Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic Acids (Carboxyls) have the "boot" of oxygen atoms pointed to the outside of the molecule!
H - O - C - C - C - C - H
THESE ARE STINKY! They are the stinkiest, most putrid molecules out there, continue if you wish to know more...
CONTINUE
Carboxylic Acids
Butanoic Acid
Hexanoic Acid
Ethanoic Acid
Heptanoic Acid
Pentanoic Acid
3-Methyl Hexanoic Acid
Amines
Amines always contain one Nitrogen atom.
H - C - C - N - C - H
Molecules containing a single amine group are always FISHY! ... or they smell like rotting animals ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
CONTINUE
Amines
Butanamine
Isopropylamine
Diamino-butane
Pungent Bananas
Butyraldehyde, also known as butanal, is an organic compound with the formula CH3(CH2)2CHO. This compound is the aldehyde derivative of butane. It is a colorless flammable liquid with an unpleasant smell.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Baked Bread
2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) is a ketone derivative of the heterocyclic compound 1-pyrroline. You probably know it from its pleasing aroma which is present in the volatile oils of basmati and Calrose rice, as well as freshly baked bread.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Fish
Isopropylamine (monoisopropyl amine, MIPA, 2-Propylamine) is an organic compound, an amine. It is a hygroscopic colorless liquid with ammonia or FISHY odor.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
... More Fishy
Butylamine is a clear, colorless liquid with an Ammonia or fish-like odor. It is used in making rubber, drugs, dye stuffs insecticides, and pharmaceuticals.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Pleasant Gasoline
Cyclopentane is a highly flammable alicyclic hydrocarbon with chemical formula C5H10 , consisting of a ring of five carbon atoms each bonded with two hydrogen atoms above and below the plane. It occurs as a colorless liquid with a petrol-like odor.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Ylang-Ylang
You probably know methyl benzoate when you smell it. The natural compound's wintergreen-spicy, floral-fruity aromas make it a popular ingredient in perfumes, soaps, and shampoos. Many insects also produce it as an attractant.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Sweet Gasoline
Cyclohexane is a cycloalkane with the molecular formula C6H12. Cyclohexane is a colourless, flammable liquid with a distinctive detergent-like odor, reminiscent of cleaning products (in which it is sometimes used).
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Armpits (body odor)
If you have smelly feet, it is probably because Staphylococcus epidermis has degraded the leucine in your sweat to isovaleric acid, a cheesy-smelling compound, also known as 3-methyl-hexanoic acid!
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Vanilla
Vanillin, as its name implies, is the major flavor component of vanilla. The three oxygen atoms in this small aromatic compound are in different functional groups: alcohol, aldehyde, and ether.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Mint/Peppermint
Menthol is a substituted cyclohexanol that is familiar to many as the main constituent of mint. It occurs in peppermint and other mint oils.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Old People!
Nonenal has recently been identified as the source of the old person smell, or perhaps more like cucumbers. The human ability to identify information such as age, illness, and genetic suitability from odor is responsible for the distinctive "old man smell".
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Click HERE for a video!
Regular Gasoline
Octane became well known in American popular culture in the mid- and late 1960s, when gasoline companies boasted of "high octane" levels in their gasoline advertisements. The compound adjective "high-octane", means powerful or dynamic.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Rancid Butter
Butyric acid, also known under the systematic name butanoic acid, is a straight-chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂CH₂CO₂H. It is an oily, colorless liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Sweet and Floral
Methyl Propionate is a colorless liquid with a sweet, fruity, rum-like odor. It is used as a solvent for cellulose nitrate, and in making lacquers, paints and varnishes. It is also used in fragrances and as a flavoring agent.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Vinegar
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is a clear colourless liquid which has a pungent, vinegar-like odour. When it is pure (100% acetic acid) it is referred to as glacial acetic acid.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Pear
Propyl acetate, also known as propyl ethanoate, is an organic compound. Nearly 20,000 tons are produced annually for use as a solvent. This colorless liquid is known by its characteristic odor of pears. Due to this fact, it is commonly used in fragrances and as a flavor additive.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Grass
1-Hexanol is believed to be a component of the odour of freshly mown grass. Alarm pheromones emitted by the Koschevnikov gland of honey bees contain 1-hexanol. It also is partly responsible for the fragrance of strawberries.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Apples
Apples, especially of the 'Red Delicious' variety, are flavored in part by this chemical. The alarm pheromones emitted by the Koschevnikov gland of honey bees contain butyl acetate.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Pineapple
Ethyl Butanoate, also known as Ethyl Butyrate is a colorless liquid with a pineapple-like odor. It is used in flavorings, extracts and perfumery, and as a solvent.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Citrus/Floral
Nonanol s a straight chain fatty alcohol with nine carbon atoms and the molecular formula CH3(CH2)8OH. It is a colorless oily liquid with a citrus odor similar to citronella oil.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Green Bananas
Once heavily diluted down this material displays a very pleasant green-leafy, oily aroma with fruity-green banana and apple pips nuances. The aroma becomes even fruitier with clean, fresh green apple notes when further diluted down to 1% or less.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Rubbing Alcohol
Isopropanol (i.e., isopropyl alcohol) is a clear, colorless, bitter liquid commonly found in “rubbing alcohol,” skin lotion, hair tonics, aftershave lotion, denatured alcohol, solvents, cements, cleaning products, and de-icers.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Goats?
Caproic acid, also known as hexanoic acid, is the carboxylic acid derived from hexane with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)4COOH. It is a colorless oily liquid with an odor that is fatty, cheesy, waxy, and like that of goats or other barnyard animals.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Wet Cereal
2-Methylpropanal is a clear colorless liquid with an aldehydic, pungent, floral odor. Its odor is also described as that of wet cereal or straw. It is found in a number of foods including carrots, coffee beans, maitakes, broad beans, agars, black chokeberries, mustard spinachs, greenthread tea, various wheats, common grapes and oxheart cabbages.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Cinnamon
Cinnamaldehyde is a naturally occurring flavonoid that gives the spice cinnamon its flavour and odour. It occurs naturally in the bark of cinnamon trees and other species of the genus Cinnamomum such as camphor and cassia.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Cheese/Valeriana officinalis
Valeric acid or pentanoic acid is a straight-chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)3COOH. Like other low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids, it has an unpleasant odor. It is found in the perennial flowering plant Valeriana officinalis, from which it gets its name.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Cucumber and Mushroom (sweet and woodsy)
An extremely pleasant natural isolate, exuding an unmistakable odour of fresh mushrooms, very gourmand, gently nut like, sensationally fresh and so close to the real thing.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Caramel
Sotolon (also known as sotolone) is a lactone and an extremely powerful aroma compound, with the typical smell of fenugreek or curry at high concentrations and maple syrup, caramel, or burnt sugar at lower concentrations.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Cherry
2-Methylpropyl ethanoate is found naturally in many fruits such as cherries, raspberries and pears. Isobutyl aceteate has a sweet, apple, tropical, banana aroma and a similar fruity taste.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Oranges
Acetophenone is a naturally occurring fragrant substance used to impart scents in a variety of products. Many perfumers would describe its smell as almond, orange, cherry, honeysuckle, jasmine, and strawberry, and would use acetophenone to accentuate powdery and sweet base notes.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Death (rot)
Putrescine (1,4-diaminobutane) is a four-carbon alkane-alpha,omega-diamine. It is obtained by the breakdown of amino acids and is responsible for the foul odour of putrefying flesh. It has a role as a fundamental metabolite and an antioxidant.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Strawberry
Benzyl acetate is a compound found in various fruits, flowers, and essential oils, known for its pleasant and fruity fragrance. Its scent is reminiscent of fruits such as apricots, pears, strawberries, pineapples, bananas, plums, cherries, peaches, raspberries, and others.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Almond/Cherry
Benzaldehyde carries a sweet, almond-like scent with notes of cherry. It is used to add a nutty, fruity scent or flavor to many foods and scented products. Fragrance creators often make a nature-identical version of it in a lab to ensure consistent quality and help preserve the earth’s natural resources.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
BAD Balsamic Vinegar
Enanthic acid, also called heptanoic acid, is an organic compound composed of a seven-carbon chain terminating in a carboxylic acid functional group. It is a colorless oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. It contributes to the odor of some rancid oils.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Chemistry of Smells
Charlotte Bedford
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Transcript
The Chemistry of Smells
Click on any group to see their smells!
Alkanes
C - C - C
- C - O - C
||
Esters
- C - O - H
||
Carboxylic Acids
Hydroxyl
- O - H
Aldehydes +Ketone
- C -
||
- N -
Amines
Alkanes
Alkanes are single-bonded chains of Carbon atoms
H - C - C - C - C - H
These typically have no smell, but when they do they have a gasoline or a slighly sweet scent.
CONTINUE
Alkanes
Cyclohexane
Cyclopentane
Octane
Alcohols
Hydroxyls (alcohols) are the O-H functional group.
H - C - C - C - C - O - H
They have lots of variation! They don't all smell like rubbing alcohol; some smell sweet and others have a grassy smell.These smells are highly dependent on the shape of the molecule!
CONTINUE
Alcohols
Isopropyl Alcohol
Menthol
Hexanol
Nonanol
Octan-3-ol
Aldehydes/Ketones
Aldehydes are a double-bonded oxygen at the very end of the molecule, whereas the Ketone is a double-bonded oxygen near the center.
H - C - C - C - C - H
Just like the hydroxyl group, it is very important to look at the shape when determining the smell! Aldeydes can be fruity, minty, and even like baked bread!
CONTINUE
Aldehydes/Ketones
2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline
Nonenal
Hexenal
Butanal
2-methylpropanal
Acetophenone
Vanillin
Cinnamaldehyde
Benzaldehyde
Esters
Esters are the molecules with two oxygen atoms, pointed toward the center of the molecule.
H - C - O - C - C - H
These are the SWEETEST of all! So many fruity smells come from this fantastic group of molecules.
CONTINUE
Esters
Ethyl butanoate
Propyl ethanoate
Methylbenzoate
Methyl propanoate
Sotolone
2-Methylpropyl ethanoate
Benzyl acetate
Butyl acetate
Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic Acids (Carboxyls) have the "boot" of oxygen atoms pointed to the outside of the molecule!
H - O - C - C - C - C - H
THESE ARE STINKY! They are the stinkiest, most putrid molecules out there, continue if you wish to know more...
CONTINUE
Carboxylic Acids
Butanoic Acid
Hexanoic Acid
Ethanoic Acid
Heptanoic Acid
Pentanoic Acid
3-Methyl Hexanoic Acid
Amines
Amines always contain one Nitrogen atom.
H - C - C - N - C - H
Molecules containing a single amine group are always FISHY! ... or they smell like rotting animals ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
CONTINUE
Amines
Butanamine
Isopropylamine
Diamino-butane
Pungent Bananas
Butyraldehyde, also known as butanal, is an organic compound with the formula CH3(CH2)2CHO. This compound is the aldehyde derivative of butane. It is a colorless flammable liquid with an unpleasant smell.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Baked Bread
2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) is a ketone derivative of the heterocyclic compound 1-pyrroline. You probably know it from its pleasing aroma which is present in the volatile oils of basmati and Calrose rice, as well as freshly baked bread.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Fish
Isopropylamine (monoisopropyl amine, MIPA, 2-Propylamine) is an organic compound, an amine. It is a hygroscopic colorless liquid with ammonia or FISHY odor.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
... More Fishy
Butylamine is a clear, colorless liquid with an Ammonia or fish-like odor. It is used in making rubber, drugs, dye stuffs insecticides, and pharmaceuticals.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Pleasant Gasoline
Cyclopentane is a highly flammable alicyclic hydrocarbon with chemical formula C5H10 , consisting of a ring of five carbon atoms each bonded with two hydrogen atoms above and below the plane. It occurs as a colorless liquid with a petrol-like odor.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Ylang-Ylang
You probably know methyl benzoate when you smell it. The natural compound's wintergreen-spicy, floral-fruity aromas make it a popular ingredient in perfumes, soaps, and shampoos. Many insects also produce it as an attractant.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Sweet Gasoline
Cyclohexane is a cycloalkane with the molecular formula C6H12. Cyclohexane is a colourless, flammable liquid with a distinctive detergent-like odor, reminiscent of cleaning products (in which it is sometimes used).
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Armpits (body odor)
If you have smelly feet, it is probably because Staphylococcus epidermis has degraded the leucine in your sweat to isovaleric acid, a cheesy-smelling compound, also known as 3-methyl-hexanoic acid!
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Vanilla
Vanillin, as its name implies, is the major flavor component of vanilla. The three oxygen atoms in this small aromatic compound are in different functional groups: alcohol, aldehyde, and ether.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Mint/Peppermint
Menthol is a substituted cyclohexanol that is familiar to many as the main constituent of mint. It occurs in peppermint and other mint oils.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Old People!
Nonenal has recently been identified as the source of the old person smell, or perhaps more like cucumbers. The human ability to identify information such as age, illness, and genetic suitability from odor is responsible for the distinctive "old man smell".
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Click HERE for a video!
Regular Gasoline
Octane became well known in American popular culture in the mid- and late 1960s, when gasoline companies boasted of "high octane" levels in their gasoline advertisements. The compound adjective "high-octane", means powerful or dynamic.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Rancid Butter
Butyric acid, also known under the systematic name butanoic acid, is a straight-chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂CH₂CO₂H. It is an oily, colorless liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Sweet and Floral
Methyl Propionate is a colorless liquid with a sweet, fruity, rum-like odor. It is used as a solvent for cellulose nitrate, and in making lacquers, paints and varnishes. It is also used in fragrances and as a flavoring agent.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Vinegar
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is a clear colourless liquid which has a pungent, vinegar-like odour. When it is pure (100% acetic acid) it is referred to as glacial acetic acid.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Pear
Propyl acetate, also known as propyl ethanoate, is an organic compound. Nearly 20,000 tons are produced annually for use as a solvent. This colorless liquid is known by its characteristic odor of pears. Due to this fact, it is commonly used in fragrances and as a flavor additive.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Grass
1-Hexanol is believed to be a component of the odour of freshly mown grass. Alarm pheromones emitted by the Koschevnikov gland of honey bees contain 1-hexanol. It also is partly responsible for the fragrance of strawberries.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Apples
Apples, especially of the 'Red Delicious' variety, are flavored in part by this chemical. The alarm pheromones emitted by the Koschevnikov gland of honey bees contain butyl acetate.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Pineapple
Ethyl Butanoate, also known as Ethyl Butyrate is a colorless liquid with a pineapple-like odor. It is used in flavorings, extracts and perfumery, and as a solvent.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Citrus/Floral
Nonanol s a straight chain fatty alcohol with nine carbon atoms and the molecular formula CH3(CH2)8OH. It is a colorless oily liquid with a citrus odor similar to citronella oil.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Green Bananas
Once heavily diluted down this material displays a very pleasant green-leafy, oily aroma with fruity-green banana and apple pips nuances. The aroma becomes even fruitier with clean, fresh green apple notes when further diluted down to 1% or less.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Rubbing Alcohol
Isopropanol (i.e., isopropyl alcohol) is a clear, colorless, bitter liquid commonly found in “rubbing alcohol,” skin lotion, hair tonics, aftershave lotion, denatured alcohol, solvents, cements, cleaning products, and de-icers.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Goats?
Caproic acid, also known as hexanoic acid, is the carboxylic acid derived from hexane with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)4COOH. It is a colorless oily liquid with an odor that is fatty, cheesy, waxy, and like that of goats or other barnyard animals.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Wet Cereal
2-Methylpropanal is a clear colorless liquid with an aldehydic, pungent, floral odor. Its odor is also described as that of wet cereal or straw. It is found in a number of foods including carrots, coffee beans, maitakes, broad beans, agars, black chokeberries, mustard spinachs, greenthread tea, various wheats, common grapes and oxheart cabbages.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Cinnamon
Cinnamaldehyde is a naturally occurring flavonoid that gives the spice cinnamon its flavour and odour. It occurs naturally in the bark of cinnamon trees and other species of the genus Cinnamomum such as camphor and cassia.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Cheese/Valeriana officinalis
Valeric acid or pentanoic acid is a straight-chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)3COOH. Like other low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids, it has an unpleasant odor. It is found in the perennial flowering plant Valeriana officinalis, from which it gets its name.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Cucumber and Mushroom (sweet and woodsy)
An extremely pleasant natural isolate, exuding an unmistakable odour of fresh mushrooms, very gourmand, gently nut like, sensationally fresh and so close to the real thing.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Caramel
Sotolon (also known as sotolone) is a lactone and an extremely powerful aroma compound, with the typical smell of fenugreek or curry at high concentrations and maple syrup, caramel, or burnt sugar at lower concentrations.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Cherry
2-Methylpropyl ethanoate is found naturally in many fruits such as cherries, raspberries and pears. Isobutyl aceteate has a sweet, apple, tropical, banana aroma and a similar fruity taste.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Oranges
Acetophenone is a naturally occurring fragrant substance used to impart scents in a variety of products. Many perfumers would describe its smell as almond, orange, cherry, honeysuckle, jasmine, and strawberry, and would use acetophenone to accentuate powdery and sweet base notes.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Death (rot)
Putrescine (1,4-diaminobutane) is a four-carbon alkane-alpha,omega-diamine. It is obtained by the breakdown of amino acids and is responsible for the foul odour of putrefying flesh. It has a role as a fundamental metabolite and an antioxidant.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Strawberry
Benzyl acetate is a compound found in various fruits, flowers, and essential oils, known for its pleasant and fruity fragrance. Its scent is reminiscent of fruits such as apricots, pears, strawberries, pineapples, bananas, plums, cherries, peaches, raspberries, and others.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
Almond/Cherry
Benzaldehyde carries a sweet, almond-like scent with notes of cherry. It is used to add a nutty, fruity scent or flavor to many foods and scented products. Fragrance creators often make a nature-identical version of it in a lab to ensure consistent quality and help preserve the earth’s natural resources.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information
BAD Balsamic Vinegar
Enanthic acid, also called heptanoic acid, is an organic compound composed of a seven-carbon chain terminating in a carboxylic acid functional group. It is a colorless oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. It contributes to the odor of some rancid oils.
MolView.org link to view the molecule
Click HERE for more information