The Chemistry and Biology of Volatiles

"… this book deserves to be a well-used reference in the library of any laboratory specialising in VOC". –Chemistry World, 2011

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.

This book 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