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Molecular Theory of Odour

Nature volume 219, pages 503–505 (1968)Cite this article

Abstract

ACCORDING to Ruzicka's theory1 the character of an odoriferous substance is determined by its molecular shape, while the osmophoric group only causes variations in this character. The obvious importance of the spatial arrangement of the molecule of an odoriferous substance has caused the lock and key idea—established by Fischer in respect to the action of enzymes2—to be applied to the odoriferous substances and their perceptors3. Amoore4 suggested, with his stereochemical theory of olfaction, seven differently constructed perceptors in which those corresponding kinds of odoriferous substances all with a similar odoriferous character should fit the perceptor. Shallenberger and Acree5 maintained that two hydrogen-bond formers have to be present at a specific distance apart in a molecule if it is to have a sweet taste.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Schwarzkopf Research and Development Laboratories, Hamburg, Germany

    R. E. RANDEBROCK

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  1. R. E. RANDEBROCK
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RANDEBROCK, R. Molecular Theory of Odour. Nature 219, 503–505 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1038/219503a0

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