The molecular structure of a forest aroma deconstructed

(American Institute of Physics) The fresh, unmistakable scent of a pine forest comes from a medley of chemicals produced by its trees. Researchers have now accurately determined the chemical structure of one compound in its gas phase, a molecule called alpha-pinene. The analysis can help scientists better detect and understand how alpha-pinene reacts with other gases in the atmosphere, a process that can affect health and climate. The researchers describe their analysis in this week's Journal of Chemical Physics.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news