Novel noncovalent bond blocks repulsive odor of isocyanides
Thursday, June 11, 2020 - 12:00
in Physics & Chemistry
Isocyanides are an important class of organic compounds owing to a wide range of chemical transformations they can undergo. These molecules are employed for the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, polymers, catalysts, and luminophores. Widespread use of isocyanides in chemistry and chemical industry is, however, hampered by their extremely foul odor, described by some researchers as "mind-boggling," "horrid" and even "murderous." Luca Turin, one of the leading experts in fragrance chemistry, called isocyanides "the Godzilla of scent." This odor is so terrible that the United States patented the use of isocyanides (generally low on the toxicity scale) as a non-lethal chemical weapon.