The Chemistry and Biology of Volatiles

Volatile compounds are molecules with a relatively low molecular weight allowing for efficient evaporation into the air. They are found in many areas of 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:

• volatiles – an interdisciplinary approach
• biosynthesis and emission of isoprene, methylbutanol and other volatile plant isoprenoids
• analysis of the plant volatile fraction
• plant volatile signalling: multitrophic interactions in the headspace
• pheromones in chemical communication
• use of volatiles in pest control
• challenges in the synthesis of natural and non-natural volatiles
• the biosynthesis of volatile sulphur flavour compounds
• thermal generation of aroma-active volatiles in food
• human olfactory perception
• perfumery – the wizardry of volatile molecules
• microencapsulation techniques for food flavour
• profragrances and properfumes
• reactions of biogenic volatile organic compounds in 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, olfactory perception, and atmospheric chemistry.