Spring 2008 Newsletter
The Scent of Spring
As winter comes to a close and the spring season approaches, we began to wonder, “What does spring smell like?” To answer this question, we tested four different liquid laundry detergent brands with “spring” named scents.Samples
Sample 580138
Sample 580139
Sample 580141
Sample 580142
Organoleptic Test
Our marketing department first conducted an organoleptic (smell) test of the four scented detergents. By simply smelling the detergents, we could not conclusively ascertain the smell of spring. Each sample had a unique scent, but we decided to categorize them as floral, fruity or woody/earthy. We concluded that samples 580138 and 580139 had floral scents, 580141 smelled earthy/woody and 580142 was fruity smelling.
Headspace Analysis
After the organoleptic test, marketing handed the samples over to our team of expert scientists for analysis. GC/MS is a common technique used in the identification of volatile organic components that may be responsible for fragrances. The detergents were allowed to equilibrate in sealed vials and a static headspace technique was used to sample the fragrance.
View Chromatograms for each sample
Click here to see ingredient chart from GC/MS results
Limonene and linalool were the most intense peaks observed in the detergents. These two compounds both provide a citrus odor to the detergents. Another ingredient common to all four scented samples was dihydromyrcenol which also gives a tart, citrus smell.
As shown in the ingredient chart, sample 580141 contained three different compounds that could account for the earthy/woody scent noticed in marketing’s smell test. Sample 580142 contained mostly ingredients that provide a sweet, fruity smell, confirming the results of the organoleptic test. Finally, samples 580138 and 580139 were shown to contain some ingredients that could cause a flowery/lilac scent.
Conclusion
After completing the organoleptic and GC/MS testing, we reflected on our findings. Springtime is a season associated with growth, new life, and blossoming. The presence of earthy, floral and fruity odors is representative of typical smells experienced during this season. Although all four detergents had unique scents, they all provoke thoughts of spring, whether they be budding plant life, blooming flowers, or ripened citrus.