Geosmin

• Octahydro -4, 8a -dimethyl -4a (2H)- naphthalenol

To ground fragrant oil

Liquid

270 ° C

Readily soluble in alcohols, sparingly soluble in water

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Geosmin is a naturally occurring bicyclic alcohol. The substance has a pronounced earthy- musty odor and taste, and is partly responsible for the perceived as a typical soil odor sensation, but also for the smell of mold. Geosmin is also involved in the perception of smell, which occurs especially after a long drought when rain. This odor is also called Petri choir.

Occurrence

Geosmin is produced by microorganisms, especially myxobacteria, and Streptomyces species. These organisms live mainly in the soil. Geosminbildung of cyanobacteria can provide an earthy smell in fresh water. Geosmin was also in beetroot (Beta vulgaris) detected.

Others

The human sense of smell reacts to geosmin highly sensitive; the odor threshold is 0.1 ppb. An earthy smell when wine indicates a wine error. In addition, the earthy tone can often be associated with a Korkton.