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.
(sorry to intrude). This has had a few cross-posts on Lemmy. The link that goes to !tails@lemmon.website is attributed to the author of the image, so you can reply to them via that community if you wish.
Yeah, I try to crosspost when I see things that apply - I don’t have a lot of OC but I want to contribute something to the communities I enjoy
Oh, yeah, cross-posts are great - I think it’s something we’re all supposed to be doing. I wouldn’t say anything usually - just thought this image might raise questions that the creator could perhaps answer.
“© COMPOUND INTEREST 2015”
Very clever name, guys. Very clever.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
