Esters

      ESTERS: WHAT IS THAT NICE SCENT?

Have you ever wondered why something or someone smells so good? These smells are actually a group of organic chemicals called 'ester'. Esters, which are a key factor in the aroma of various types of fruit, are often noted for their pleasant smell. It is either produced naturally or by a reaction namely, esterification. An ester has a structure similar to a carboxylic acid, with a few differences. In addition to its bonds (one double, one single) with the oxygen atoms, the carbon atom is attached to a hydrocarbon, which comes from the carboxylic acid while the single-bonded oxygen atom is attached to a second hydrocarbon from the alcohol. 

Here are some common names of esters that we didn't know then, but now we do:




*Esters can be found in anything that has a sweet-fruity scent. They are one of nature's way of expelling bad odours, I'd say. Esters have distinctive smells and are often used in flavourings and perfumes. For example, propyl ethanoate smells of pears, butyl butanoate smells of pineapple and methyl butanoate smells of apples.


*Esters are also used in the production of soap. Nowadays, there are many varieties of smells in soap that we can choose from. Do you know that benzyl acetate scent that you like? Yes, that is the smell of jasmine. 

*Small esters like ethyl ethanoate are excellent solvents for organic compounds. Do you know the nail polish removers you use? They actually use esters as solvents. Sunburn lotion and glues are also examples of ester-based solvents. 

*Did you know that natural esters are found in pheromones? I guess that must be nature's 'scent' of attraction, if you know what I mean. The organic chemicals present in pheromones produces a scent for the purpose of attracting the opposite sex. However, not all pheromones are for finding a suitable partner because, ants use pheromones as a mode of communication between them.

An example of the chemical structure of androstadienone(AND), a pheromone produced in men:

Dangerous Chemical In Cosmetics

Dangerous Chemicals In Cosmetics

Cosmetics (also known as makeup or make-up) are care substances used to enhance the appearance and odor of human body.In the United States, cosmetics defines as " intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions."

Cosmetics are widely used among women. However do you know that there are certain chemical that are dangerous?

 

1. Butyl acetate

Butyl acetate is found in nail strengtheners and nail polishes.

Health Hazards: Butyl acetate vapors may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Continued use of a product containing butyl acetate may cause skin to crack and become dry.

2. Butylated hydroxytoluene

Butylated hydroxytoluene is found in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products. It is an antioxidant which helps slow the rate at which a product changes color over time.

Health Hazards: Butylated hydroxytoluene may cause skin and eye irritation.

3. Coal tar

Coal tar is used to control itching and scaling, to soften skin, and as a colorant.

Health Hazards: Coal tar is carcinogenic.

4. Diethanolamine (DEA)

 

Diethanolamine is a contaminant associated with cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA, which are used as emulsifiers and foaming agents in products such as shampoos, shaving creams, moisturizers, and baby washes.

Health Hazards: It can be absorbed into the body through the skin.It act as a carcinogen and converted to nitrosamine,which is also carcinogenic.

5. 1,4-dioxane

This is a contaminant that may be associated with sodium laureth sulfate, PEG, and most ethoxylated ingredients with names ending in -eth. These ingredients are found in many products, most notably shampoos and body washes.Formaldehyde (IUPAC name methanal) is a chemical compound that is the simplest aldehyde.

Health Hazards: It will cause cancer in animal.

6. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is used as preservative in a variety of products, such as nail polish, soap, shaving cream, eyelash adhesive and shampoo.

Health Hazards: The European Union has banned the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics and personal care products. It is associated with health concerns, such as respiratory tract eye irritation,cancer and immune system damage.

7. Fragrance

Fragrance may be used to indicate any of a number of chemicals in a personal care product.

Health Hazards: Many fragrances are toxic. Some of these fragrances can act as obesogens (cause obesity) and may disrupt normal endocrine function, including reproductive health. Phthalates may cause developmental defects and delays.

8. Lead

Lead typically occurs as a contaminant, such as in hydrated silica, an ingredient in toothpaste. Lead acetate is added as an ingredient in some lipsticks and men's hair dye.

Health Hazards: Lead is a neurotoxin. It can cause brain damage even at a low concentrations.

9. Mercury

Mercury is a heavy silvery metal that is liquid at room temperature.The use of mercury compounds in eye makeup is at concentrations up to 65 parts per million.

Health Hazards: Mercury is associated with a host of health concerns including allergic reactions, skin irritation, toxicity, neurological damage, and environmental damage. Mercury readily passes into the body through the skin.

10. Talc

Talc is used to absorb moisture and provide a hint of sparkle. It is found in eye shadow, blush, baby powder, deodorant and soap.

Health Hazards: Talc is known to act as a human carcinogen and will cause ovarian cancer and may lead to the formation of lung tumors.

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11. Toluene

Toluene is found in nail polish and hair dye as a solvent.The purpose is to improve adhesion and to add gloss.

Health Hazard: Toluene is toxic and carcinogenic.It will cause damage in reproductive system and developmental.In addition, it will decrease fertility.