Comments on: Anisole is to anise seed as 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline is to ???

Question: Anisole is to anise seed as 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline is to ???

Infernarl — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:52:48 -0800

Is there a descriptive list of aromatic compounds that is more complete than this wikipedia article? i.e. cis-3-Hexen-1-ol (fresh cut grass), Oct-1-en-3-one (blood, metallic, mushroom-like)

I'm looking for the most complete list of aromatic compounds and their perceived analogous smells. If I need to compile my own list then books, websites, wine tasting guides, anything would be welcome.

By: DevilsAdvocate

DevilsAdvocate — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:27:39 -0800

Not an answer, but you should probably avoid using the term "aromatic" in this way. "Aromatic" has a technical meaning in chemistry which is far different than "odiferous." While some aromatic compounds are odiferous, three of the four examples you cite (including those in the title) are not aromatic in the chemical sense.

By: misteraitch

misteraitch — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:18:02 -0800

Steffen Arctander's 2-volume Perfume and Flavor Chemicals is a classic catalogue, but was published back in the '60s.

Glen O. Brechbill's The Art of Fragrance Ingredients is a more up-to-date listing.

By: mbd1mbd1

mbd1mbd1 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:59:23 -0800

The Brechbill book looks like your best bet.

A list of odor qualities and odorants used in olfactory neuroscience is available from the Leon Lab at UC Irvine.

By: Captain_Science

Captain_Science — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:06:24 -0800

You could check out pherobase mostly animal pheromones but with some plant extracts in there as well.