Aroma Chemistry

The Chemistry of the Smell of Death

The Chemistry of the Odour of Decomposition

The Chemistry of the Smell of Death
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Continuing this week’s Halloween theme, today we’re looking at death – more specifically, the chemical agents behind the smell of it. Decomposition is an incredibly complicated process, but we do know a little about the chemical culprits behind some of the terrible smells as the body breaks down – so, what compounds are the must-haves this season for your run of the mill decomposing zombie?

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Aroma Chemistry - The Aroma of New Cars

The Chemicals Behind the ‘New Car Smell’

Aroma Chemistry - The Aroma of New Cars
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This graphic comes off the back of a number of requests for it to be added to the ‘Aroma Chemistry’ series. The characteristic ‘new car smell’, as with the majority of entries in this series, can’t be pinned down to just one compound – rather, it’s a complex mixture of chemicals that, combined, give the recognisable smell. Here’s a look at some of the major compounds, and where they come from.

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Aroma Chemistry - The Smell of New & Old Books v2

What Causes the Smell of New & Old Books?

Aroma Chemistry - The Smell of New & Old Books v2

Everyone’s familiar with the smell of old books, the weirdly intoxicating scent that haunts libraries and second-hand book stores. Similarly, who doesn’t enjoy riffling through the pages of a newly purchased book and breathing in the crisp aroma of new paper and freshly printed ink? As with all aromas, the origins can be traced back to a number of chemical constituents, so we can examine the processes and compounds that can contribute to both.

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