2.8 Fragrances

Question 1

Essential oils

Answer 1

Essential oils are concentrated extracts of the volatile, non-water- soluble aroma compounds from plants. They are mixtures of many different compounds. They are widely used in perfumes, cosmetic products, cleaning products and as flavourings in foods.

Question 2

Terpenes

Answer 2

Terpenes are key components in most essential oils. They are unsaturated compounds formed by joining together isoprene (2- methylbuta-1,3-diene) units.
Terpenes can be oxidised within plants to produce some of the compounds responsible for the distinctive aromas of spices.