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.

  • freamonEnglish
    2•3 months ago

    (sorry to intrude). This has had a few cross-posts on Lemmy. The link that goes to [email protected] is attributed to the author of the image, so you can reply to them via that community if you wish.

    • probablynakedOPEnglish
      1•3 months ago

      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

      • freamonEnglish
        1•3 months ago

        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.

  • @[email protected]English
    1•3 months ago

    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?

    • @CarnelianEnglish
      2•3 months ago

      Could be that the smells are what’s gotten us so conditioned to like stories