Prepare a presentation around an organic compound of your choice, making sure to include important details as to its use and current role in the world.
What is an Ester?
- They are organic compounds derived from oxoacids (acids containing oxygen) and hydroxyl compounds (Oxygen and hydrogen bound together).
- For example Pentanol and butanoic acid is reacted in order to form pentyl butanoate which creates the smell of strawberries.
Uses of Ester
- Perfume
- Sweets
- Ice cream
- Soap
- Softeners in moulding and plastic industries
- Therapeutic (counter-irritant)
Properties of Ester
- Sweet smell
- Artificial flavouring
- Non toxic
- Does not irritate the skin
- Volatile (evaporates easily)
- Insoluble in water
- Does not react with water
Uses in perfume
- Perfumes are applied in the skin therefore it is important they do not irritate or poison the wearer.
- A perfumes fragrance is accentuated by Esters thanks to their sweet-smelling properties.
- Since it is volatile, perfume molecules reach the nose effectively.
Hazards, risks and disadvantages
- Perfumes are tested on animals before human trials this is due to chemical arrangements sometimes causing adverse effects to the wearer.
- This raises ethical concerns on whether perfumes and pharmaceuticals should be tested on animals to decide if they are safe or not.
Importance of Ester
- Ester is a very useful substance in terms of beautification.
- The fundamental essence of attraction is driven by the use of perfumes and therapeutic treatments which all strive to emulate pheromones. In fact many species of both fauna and flora use artificially created scents to attract the opposite sex or pollinator.
Nygma Science 
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