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Perfume Chemistry: How to Make a Molecule with Sean Raspet (Online)
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In this lecture, we explore the molecular foundations of scent: how the shape and structure of a molecule directly influence the way it smells.
Sean Raspet, artist and molecular researcher, will unpack how olfactory receptors work together to create the immense range of smells humans can perceive, and how chemists use this knowledge to design new fragrance materials. We’ll look closely at how changes in molecular geometry can shift scent profile, and examine several major families of molecules used in flavor and fragrance.
This class is ideal for perfume enthusiasts curious about the science behind raw materials, chemistry lovers interested in sensory applications, and perfumers seeking a deeper understanding of how molecular design shapes olfactory experience.
This 2-hour online class blends chemistry, scent, and contemporary material research. Sean will introduce the fundamentals of molecular structure as it relates to odor, share examples from his fragrance molecule development work, and walk through notable classes of aroma molecules—including what they smell like, how they’re built, and why they behave the way they do.
We’ll consider questions such as:
How does a molecule’s structure impact its scent?
How do olfactory receptors work together to produce all the possible scents we can smell?
What are some interesting types of molecules and general groupings for flavor and fragrance?
What kinds of new molecules are artists and chemists designing today?
A Q&A session will follow the main presentation.
ABOUT SEAN RASPET
Sean Raspet is an artist who works with molecular structure, designing new fragrance and flavor molecules. He is also the co-founder of Patina, along with Laura Sisson, which develops new captive fragrance ingredients and 1:1 simulations of natural materials.
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When you sign up for a class or event at the IAO, you will receive an Eventbrite confirmation email which contains important information, such as materials lists or preparation instructions. Please be sure to scroll down in the email, so you see those instructions.
For online classes, you will receive the Zoom log-in information approximately 12 – 24 hours before each session begins. To avoid this going to spam, add hello@artandolfaction.com to your address book. Our online classes are recorded, and the video is available to registered attendees for 7 days after the class takes place. Because the class is recorded and can be viewed later, we do not provide refunds or transfers for online classes.
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