THE CHEMISTRY OF ESSENTIAL OIL AND ITS ROLE AS NATURAL FRAGRANCES IN PERFUMES

Human beings have always been fascinated with the chemistry of fragrances. Since the earliest of times, man has always been interested in imitating nature's pleasant smells, to find methods to mask or augment their own body odour through the application of perfumes. Traditionally, perfumes comprise of a blend of natural components which together affords the unique pleasant odour. Modern day perfumery is a fusion of art, science and technology, with chemistry as the central science. Majority of the perfumes used today are based on the application of synthetic aroma bearing molecules made available by advances in synthetic organic chemistry. However, with the recent revival in popularity of the use of natural ingredients in cosmeceuticals, this review aims to re-look the chemistry of essential oils and its role as a natural source of fragrance. Development in methods of isolation and extraction of the natural odour bearing compounds are key factors responsible for the growth and development of the perfume industry.