The Chemistry And Biology Of Volatiles

Volatile compounds are molecules with a relatively low molecular weight allowing for an efficient evaporation into the air. They are found in many areas of our everyday-life: they are responsible for the communication between species such as plants, insects or mammals; they serve as flavours or fragrances in many food products or perfumed consumer articles; and they play an important role in atmospheric chemistry.

The Chemistry and Biology of Volatiles takes an interdisciplinary approach to volatile molecules. Review-style introductions to the main topics in volatile chemistry and biology are provided by international experts, building into a broad overview of this fascinating field. Topics covered include:

The structural variety of volatile compounds

Biogeneration of volatiles

Synthesis of natural and non-natural volatiles

Analysis of volatiles

Volatile compounds as semiochemicals in plant-plant or plant-insect interactions

Volatiles in pest control

Pheromones and the influence of volatiles on mammals

Olfaction and human perception

Volatiles as fragrances

The generation of flavours and food aroma compounds

Stabilisation and controlled release of volatiles

The impact of volatiles on the environment and the atmosphere The Chemistry and Biology of Volatiles is an essential overview of this important field for students and researchers in organic and bioorganic chemistry, biochemistry, flavour and fragrance research, pest control, and atmospheric chemistry.

Dr. Andreas Herrmann is a research chemist at Firmenich SA, an international flavour and fragrance company, in Geneve (Switzerland), working on the development of new fragrance delivery systems. He has published a series of research papers on the chemical release of volatiles under mild reaction conditions. He is the author or co-author of about 30 scientific publications and 10 international patent applications.