Aromatherapy Essential Oil Chemistry 3

Question 1

The basic five-carbon building block from which all terpenes are constructed is called what?

Accepted Answer

Isoprene

Answer

Glycerol

Answer

Acetyl-CoA

Answer

Phenylalanine

Question 2

Menthol, responsible for the cooling sensation of peppermint, is chemically classified as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Monoterpenol (alcohol)

Answer

Aldehyde

Answer

Ketone

Answer

Ester

Question 3

Citral, a key constituent of lemongrass, belongs to which reactive chemical family prone to skin sensitization?

Accepted Answer

Aldehydes

Answer

Esters

Answer

Oxides

Answer

Sesquiterpenes

Question 4

Which chemical constituent found in bergamot oil is responsible for phototoxicity when applied before sun exposure?

Accepted Answer

Bergapten (a furanocoumarin)

Answer

Limonene

Answer

Geraniol

Answer

Farnesol

Question 5

Alcohols such as geraniol and linalool are generally considered to have what safety profile?

Accepted Answer

Gentle and well-tolerated

Answer

Highly neurotoxic

Answer

Strongly phototoxic

Answer

Corrosive to skin

Question 6

The process by which monoterpene-rich oils degrade over time when exposed to air is called what?

Accepted Answer

Oxidation

Answer

Esterification

Answer

Polymerization

Answer

Saponification

Question 7

Coumarins, found in oils such as tonka and some citrus, are noted for which effect?

Accepted Answer

Sedative and blood-thinning tendencies

Answer

Expectorant clearing

Answer

Photosynthesis inhibition

Answer

Rapid combustion