title: Molecular complexity determines the number of olfactory notes and the pleasantness of smells.
abstract: One major unresolved problem in olfaction research is to relate the percept to the molecular structure of stimuli. The present study examined this issue and showed for the first time a quantitative structure-odor relationship in which the more structurally complex a monomolecular odorant, the more numerous the olfactory notes it evokes. Low-complexity odorants were also rated as more aversive, reflecting the fact that low molecular complexity may serve as a warning cue for the olfactory system. Taken together, these findings suggest that molecular complexity provides a framework to explain the subjective experience of smells.
authors.affiliation: INSERM, U1028, CNRS, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Neuroplasticity and Neuropathology of Olfactory Perception Team, Lyon, F-69000, France; University of Lyon, F-69000, France.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kermen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chakirian
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sezille
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Joussain
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Le Goff
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ziessel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chastrette
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mandairon
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Didier
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rouby
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bensafi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D008297:Male; D009812:Odorants; D018034:Olfactory Receptor Neurons / Q000737:chemistry*; D010465:Perception; D018035:Receptors, Odorant / Q000032:analysis*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology*; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008024:Ligands; D018035:Receptors, Odorant