Artificial Synthesis of Natural Fragrance

Natural essences are indispensable in the field of perfumery due to their unique flavor and natural properties. Many brands of perfume are known for adding natural essence. The increased cost and the environmental damage caused by using of natural essence are sometimes unavoidable, so since the Industrial Revolution, more molecular formulas of natural essence have been determined by scientists and synthesized artificially, aiming to gradually replace natural essence. Synthetic essences have replaced most natural essences in the field of perfumery due to their efficient industrial synthesis, similar smell to natural products, and low cost. This paper reviews the organic chemical basis of synthetic natural essence, focusing on hydrocarbons, oxygen-containing compounds, nitrogen/sulfur-containing compounds, and macrocyclic compounds, and systematically analyzes their structure, function, and synthesis pathways. Simultaneously, based on the technical maturity and wide application of artificial synthesis of natural essence, this paper will compare the differences between them and natural essence, which will also focus on the impact of the two on the environment and ecology.