Air fresheners

Air fresheners are designed to impart fragrance to the surrounding air or to mask odors, with the aim of creating a pleasant interior space. Some air fresheners contain chemicals that cause allergies and asthma symptoms or are toxic. Air fresheners are not limited to modern aerosols, air fresheners can also involve the use of everyday organic and household items. Although air fresheners are mainly used to remove odors, some people use air fresheners to create a pleasant smell.

Fragrance:

Aromatic compounds in air fresheners mask odors. These include terpenes such as limonene and ᾳ-pinene. Some are concerned that these will react with ozone to produce formaldehyde a carcinogen.

limonene

                                            

 

ᾳ-pinene

Neutralizers:

Organic acids are used in some air fresheners, which can react with odorous compounds to break them down into more benign molecules.

   

Maleic acid

Citric acid

Odor trapping agents:

Cyclodextrin is a ring-shaped molecule made from corn starch. Scent molecules are trapped in the cyclodextrin cavity, preventing them from reaching your nose.

The hydrophobic odor molecules are trapped in the hydrophobic center of Cyclodextrin.

Reference:

1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ferKuScyNv4

2) https://chemistrycachet.com/the-science-behind-air-fresheners/

3) https://www.howitworksdaily.com/airfresheners/