Esters, aldehydes, ketones and alcohols are all found in essential oils. oxygenated compounds derived from these hydrocarbons. by these oxygenated constituents, which are to some extent soluble in water but more soluble in alcohol.
Essential oils contain mainly phenolic, alcoholic, and terpenoids compounds, which are volatile. They are a mixture of organic compounds such as ketones, aldehydes, phenols, phenolic ethers, lactones, organic acids, etc. Terpenes contribute a large part to essential oils.
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. The oils capture the plant's scent and flavor, or “essence.” Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence. Essential oils are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing.
Many thousands of compounds belonging to the family of terpenes have so far been identified in essential oils [7], such as functionalized derivatives of alcohols (geraniol, α-bisabolol), ketones (menthone, p-vetivone) of aldehydes (citronellal, sinensal), esters (γ-tepinyl acetate, cedryl acetate), and phenols (thymol) ...
Terpenes, organic compounds consisting of multiples of isoprene units (containing five carbon atoms), are by far the most dominant constituents of essential oils.
Obtained through pressing or distilling a plant, each essential oil retains the natural smell by using a unique composition of chemicals, such as alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ethers, ketones, phenols and terpenes. The composition of an essential oil may vary from plant to plant, and within the same species of plants.
Just because it's from a plant doesn't mean it's safe to rub on your skin, or breathe, or eat, even if it's “pure.” Natural substances can be irritating, toxic, or cause allergic reactions. Like anything else you put on your skin, it's best to test a little bit on a small area and see how your skin responds.
The aroma is also decisive to know the purity of essential oils. Pure essential oils have a strong aroma and always smell like the plant they belong to. On the contrary, diluted and low quality essential oils do not smell as much, can cause an itchy nose and have an annoying smell.
Chemically, essential oils are composed of various hydrocarbons and oxygenated terpenoids and nonterpenoid derivatives that contain functional groups such as alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones.
What Are Essential Oils? Essential oils are basically plant extracts. They're made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant (flowers, bark, leaves or fruit) to capture the compounds that produce fragrance. It can take several pounds of a plant to produce a single bottle of essential oil.
Elif Ayşe Yıldırım
