The Chemistry and Biology of Volatiles

"Coming to a conclusion, this wonderful, informative and very interesting book presents an excellent overview of small volatile organic compounds and their role in our life and environment. Really fascinating is the entirety of scientific disciplines which were addressed by this book." –Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 2011 "… 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