Fragrances

Question 1

Essential oils

Answer 1

These are concentrated extracts of volatile, non-water soluble aroma compounds, which come from plants.
They are volatile, non-water soluble.

Question 2

What are the uses of essential oils?

Answer 2

They are often used in perfumes, cosmetic products, cleaning products and as flavourings.

Question 3

What is a Terpine?

Answer 3

Terpines are unsaturated hydrocarbons. They are made from isoprene (2-methylbutan-1,3-diol) units bonding together. They can be recognised by the compound only containing isoprene units.

Question 4

What happens when a Terpine is oxidised?

Answer 4

When oxidised the terpine releases the distinctive aroma usually found in spices such as cinnamon and ginger.

Question 5

How do you state the number of isoprene units in a Terpine molecule?

Answer 5

Count the number of carbon atoms and divide by 5.