Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Rapid Collection of Floral Fragrance Volatiles using a Headspace Volatile Collection Technique for GC-MS Thermal Desorption Sampling
Published on: December 10, 2019
[On the biological properties of fragrance compounds and essential oils]
1Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Pharmaziezentrum, Universität Wien, Wien, Osterreich. gerhard.buchbauer@univie.ac.at
Abstract:
In the present review the physiological and/or pharmacological properties of essential oils and of single fragrance compounds are discussed. Essential oils are known and have been used since ancient times as natural medicines. As natural products essential oils are dependent on climate and their composition varies according to conditions of soil, to solar irradiation, to harvest time, to production methods, to storage conditions and similar facts which are discussed in chapter 2 of this review. The next chapters deal with the therapeutic use of essential oils in treating diseases, disorders or ailments of the nervous system, against cancer and as penetration enhancers. For space-saving reasons, however, the manifold antimicrobial and antifungal properties of these natural products have been left out. In the last chapter, the pros and cons in the use of essential oils in therapy are also discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Aromatic Compounds: Overview
In 1825, Faraday isolated benzene...
Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter
Olfaction
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
What is Organic Chemistry?
Physical Properties of Ethers
An ether molecule has a net dipole moment due to the polarity of C–O bonds. Subsequently, boiling points of ethers are lower than those of alcohols of comparable molecular weight and slightly higher than those of hydrocarbons of comparable molecular weight (Table 1).
Ethers can act as hydrogen bond acceptors, making them more water-soluble than hydrocarbons, but since ethers cannot act as hydrogen bond donors, they are much less soluble in water than alcohols. Ethers are considered...
Tactile and Chemical Senses

