Like for the color of any compound, there is a phenomenon of Wavelength of Light Absorbed. On the same grounds, is there any phenomenon behind the odor of different compounds?
Why there are numerous odors (some same for different compounds)?
Please suggest some points.
I can only think of an anecdotal hypothesis: mainly it boils down not only to different smell receptors but also the different frequencies of bond vibrations (e.g. alcohols vs. thiols or anisole vs. phenol, i.e. methyl phenyl ether vs. phenyl alcohol).
"Source" for this hypothesis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5u6Jvh59y8
Although I have no clue whether there are actual studies on the chemical or rather physical-chemical nature of smells and odors.
If one where to quantitatively correlate chemical structure/functional groups to smells and odors one question arises: what about the smell of hydrogen cyanide? If one can trust the "anecdotal evidence" that not everyone can smell the almond-like odor of HCN than what about let's say different thiols? Would some describe them as foul and others maybe even as pleasant smelling? Or does this anecdote even describe reality?
Dear Lukas,
Many many thanks for this reference.
But my query is still unresolved. I wish to inquire about the reason behind the different odors of n number of compounds in this world.
Thanks
Regards