ester
n. countablen. a chemical compound that often has a pleasant, fruity smell. You find these in nature in fruits and flowers, and they are also used to make artificial flavors and perfumes.
n. an organic compound formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol, typically with the elimination of water. Characterised by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to an alkoxy group.
The sweet smell of a banana comes from an ester.
Chemists often synthesise specific esters in the lab to create artificial scents for soaps and candles.
In organic chemistry, the process of esterification involves a carboxylic acid reacting with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce an ester and water.
Often used in the plural when referring to a class of compounds or various scent profiles.