Aromatherapy Essential Oil Chemistry 5

Question 1

Molecular weight of an aromatic constituent most directly influences which practical property?

Accepted Answer

Volatility and evaporation rate

Answer

Lighter molecules evaporate faster, forming top notes, while heavier ones linger as base notes.

Question 2

In perfumery terms, high-molecular-weight sesquiterpenes typically function as what kind of note?

Accepted Answer

Base notes

Answer

Heavier sesquiterpenes evaporate slowly, anchoring a blend as long-lasting base notes.

Question 3

Which constituent group is generally most likely to cause dermal irritation and should be used at low dilution?

Accepted Answer

Phenols and aromatic aldehydes

Answer

Phenols and certain aldehydes are among the most irritating constituents and require conservative dilution.

Question 4

The synergistic principle in aromatherapy suggests that whole oils may work better than isolated constituents because of what?

Accepted Answer

Interaction among hundreds of compounds

Answer

Whole essential oils contain many interacting constituents that can enhance or buffer each other's effects.

Question 5

'Quenching' in essential oil chemistry describes what phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

One constituent reducing another's irritant potential

Answer

Quenching occurs when a constituent moderates the irritating or sensitizing effect of another in the same oil.

Aromatherapy Practice Test