Fragrances SQA edition

What are essential oils

They are concentrated extracts of the volatile, non-water-soluble aroma compounds from plants

What are the characteristics of essential oil?

-Volatile (easily evaporated)

-Insoluble in water

-Mixtures of many different compounds

What are the common uses of essential oils

Widely used in perfumes, cosmetic products, cleaning products and food flavourings

What are terpenes

They are unsaturated compounds formed by the joining of isoprene units

What is the structure of an isoprene unit?

5-carbon molecule with two double bonds and a branch

What role do terpenes play in essential oils?

Terpenes are key components in most essential oils and contribute to their distinctive aromas

What happens to terpenes in plants?

Terpenes can be oxidised within plants to form compounds responsible for the aromas of spices

What are you expected to do when given the structural formula of a terpene-based molecule?

• Identify the isoprene unit(s) within the molecule,

• State the number of isoprene units joined together in the molecule.