2.6 - fragrances Flashcards
1
Q
what are essential oils?
A
concentrated extracts of volatile, non-soluble aroma compounds from plants
2
Q
what are three uses of essential oils?
A
- cosmetics
- perfumes
- flavours
3
Q
what are the most common compounds found in essential oils?
A
terpenes
4
Q
what is the basic unit that terpenes are built from?
A
isoprene units
5
Q
what are terpenes which contain oxygen called?
A
terpenoids
6
Q
how many carbons are in an isoprene unit
A
5
7
Q
why do essential oils have a limited shelf life?
A
essential oils have a limited shelf life as terpenes can undergo oxidation very easily
8
Q
to improve shelf life it is important that essential oils are?
A
- stored at low temperatures as they are highly volatile
- protected from light
9
Q
what do terpenes turn into as a result of oxidation?
A
terpenoids
