Aroma Chemicals; an Important Group of Molecules Used As Ingredients in Flavors and Fragrances

 

Aroma chemicals are a mixture of natural and synthetic ingredients that are added to different substances to obtain the desired aroma/fragrance. The common ingredients found in perfume are limonene, methylene chloride, formaldehyde, camphor, benzaldehyde, ethanol, linalool, acetone, benzyl alcohol, and ethyl acetate. Potentially hazardous compounds, such as synthetic phthalates and musks are also widely used as perfume ingredients. Aromatic chemicals, along with essential oils, are used as key ingredients when preparing flavors and fragrances.

Moreover, aroma chemicals widely used in food, wine, spices, perfumes, soaps, detergents, and fragrance oils. These chemicals are also added to odorless gases to incorporate distinct smell. Thus, demand for aroma chemicals has increased in various end-use industries, such as food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. According to Japan Flavor and Fragrance Materials Association (JFFMA), flavors and fragrances, and aroma chemicals are commonly found in daily life. Flavors are used in confectionaries, beverages, and processed foods.

Fragrances are widely used in cosmetics, perfumes, detergents, soaps, air fresheners, and more, while flavors, fragrances, and aroma chemicals are used in other categories, oral care products, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, etc. Thus, there is an increasing demand for aroma chemicals all over the world. This in attributed to the growing demand for healthcare products, cosmetics, personal care products, food (especially processed food), and household products worldwide. A number of aromatic chemicals are also used to manufacture flavors.

Aroma chemicals are often highly volatile which makes sense since their purpose is to provide scent or flavor. Synthetic aroma chemicals are an essential ingredient for manufacturers in food and beverage, cosmetics, and personal care. Formulations of fragrance from aroma chemicals are used worldwide, to impart attractive aroma and pleasing scents to toiletries, perfumes, and detergents. More than 1,200 fragrance chemicals currently in use have been flagged as potential or known chemicals of concern.