cross-posted from: https://reddthat.com/post/15118169
The chemistry behind new and old book smells
cross-posted from: https://mstdn.social/users/compoundchem/statuses/112053145362352366
Image description: Infographic on the aroma of books. The smell of old books is produced by the gradual breakdown of cellulose and lignin in paper. Type of paper and age of the book affect the compounds produced, which include furfural, vanillin and benzaldehyde. The aroma of new books is equally variable, the compounds causing it coming from adhesives, inks, and chemicals used for paper treatment. Many of these chemicals are odorless themselves, but can react and contribute to the release of aroma chemicals.
(Originally published earlier today on mstdn.social) - Click the Fedi-Link to visit.
Maybe the reason we love new and old book smells is that we’ve been conditioned to think of the excitement of experiencing a new story?
Could be that the smells are what’s gotten us so conditioned to like stories