The chemistry of detergent perfumery

Detergents constitute a low-price, bulk item, which consumes a large quantity of aromatic materials. Detergent perfumes must not only meet the normal requirements of odor and stability but also strict demands in low price and high availability. The perfumes used in detergents are normally a complex mixture consisting of synthetic materials produced from either petroleum or coal tar products, isolates of natural products or synthetics derived from isolates and natural products such as the essential oils. The synthetics and isolates which are commonly used in detergent perfumery are discussed with their methods of production. The essential oils that can meet the demands of price and availability are listed.