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

Terpenes are built from repeating isoprene (C5H8) units.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Monoterpenol (alcohol)

Answer

Menthol is a monoterpene alcohol that triggers cold-sensing receptors in the skin.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Aldehydes

Answer

Citral is an aldehyde that can cause skin sensitization and is often diluted for safety.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Bergapten (a furanocoumarin)

Answer

Bergapten is a furanocoumarin that causes phototoxic reactions on UV-exposed skin.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Gentle and well-tolerated

Answer

Monoterpene alcohols are typically among the gentlest and safest aromatic constituents.

Aromatherapy Practice Test