Aroma Chemistry: Understanding the Smell of Human Waste

This lecture delves into the chemistry of human waste, exploring the composition and odour compounds present in faeces and urine. It covers the significance of organic chemistry in everyday compounds and discusses the concepts of electrophiles, nucleophiles, and the relationship between electronegativity and acidity. The instructor explains the odour profiles of various compounds found in human waste, such as sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing compounds, shedding light on their impact on smell perception. Additionally, the lecture examines the role of fatty acids in faeces and the factors influencing the baseness of ammonia compared to water. Through examples and chemical reactions, students gain insights into the complex world of organic chemistry and its applications in understanding odour chemistry.