Fragrance and flavor substances are comparatively strong-smelling organic compounds with characteristic, usually pleasant odors.
The odors of single chemical compounds are extremely difficult to describe unequivocally. The odors of complex mixtures are often impossible to describe unless one of the components is so characteristic that it largely determines the odor or flavor of the composition. Although an objective classification is not possible, an odor can be described by adjectives such as flowery, fruity, woody, or hay-like, which relate the fragrances to natural or other known products with similar odors. Such as, Pure ethyl cinnamate has a fruity and balsamic odor.
A few terms used to describe odors are listed below:
Aldehydic
odor note of the long-chain fatty aldehydes, e.g., fatty-sweaty, ironed laundry, seawater
Animal(ic)
typical notes from the animal kingdom, e.g., musk, castoreum, skatole, civet, ambergris
Balsamic
heavy, sweet odors, e.g., cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, Peru balsam
Camphoraceous
reminiscent of camphor
Citrus
fresh, stimulating odor of citrus fruits such as lemon or orange
Earthy
humus-like, reminiscent of humid earth
Fatty
reminiscent of animal fat and tallow
Floral, flowery
generic terms for odors of various flowers
Fruity
generic term for odors of various fruits
Green
typical odor of freshly cut grass and leaves
Herbaceous
noncharacteristic, complex odor of green herbs with, e.g., sage, minty, eucalyptus-like, or earthy nuances
Medicinal
odor reminiscent of disinfectants, e.g., phenol, lysol, methyl salicylate
Metallic
typical odor observed near metal surfaces, e.g., brass or steel
Minty
peppermint-like odor
Mossy
typical note reminiscent of forests and seaweed
Powdery
note associated with toilet powders (talcum), diffusively sweet
Resinous
aromatic odor of tree exudates
Spicy
generic term for odors of various spices
Waxy
odor resembling that of candle wax
Woody
generic term for the odor of wood, e.g., cedarwood, sandalwood
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Jack Green Joined: June 6th, 2019 Articles Posted: 7
