While terpenes are certainly important and becoming widely recognized by consumers, Rice and Koziel (2015) found that aldehydes play an equal or stronger role in the aromatic presentation of cannabis. They determined that the aldehydes listed below can be present in concentrations large enough to rival or exceed the olfactory impact of terpenes in cannabis plants.
Science is changing what we know about cannabis every day. Current cannabis laboratory testing is not able to measure key compounds if flavor profiling is your goal. Genetics are important, but environment shapes the final product in key ways. We have learned enough over the years to say that our general flavor descriptions are the best approximation to technically detailing the aromas for each of our varieties that have the potential to emerge in your field.
Key Aldehydes
Acetic acid
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is an organic chemical compound best recognized for giving vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell. Pure water-free acetic acid (glacial acetic acid) is a colorless hygroscopic liquid and freezes below 16.7°C (62°F) to a colourless crystalline solid.
Acetamide
Acetamide based derivatives are potential anti-microbial, antifungal agents, used as disinfectants. Cigarette smoking triggers acetamide release. It is a minor byproduct of paracetamol degradation. Acetamide is carcinogenic in rats. Taste very bitter; volatilises on exposure to air and sunlight.
Benzaldehyde
Benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO) is an organic compound consisting of a benzene ring with a formyl substituent. It is the simplest aromatic aldehyde and one of the most industrially useful. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic almond-like odor.
Heptanal
Heptanal or heptanaldehyde is an alkyl aldehyde. It is a colourless liquid with a strong fruity odor, which is used as precursor to components in perfumes and lubricants.
Methylisohexenyl ketone
Pepper, mushroom, rubber.
2-ethylhexanol
It is encountered in natural plant fragrances, and the odor has been reported as “heavy, earthy, and slightly floral” for the R enantiomer and “a light, sweet floral fragrance” for the S enantiomer.
Decanal
Decanal is a saturated fatty aldehyde formally arising from reduction of the carboxy group of capric acid (decanoic acid). It has a role as an antifungal agent, a fragrance and a plant metabolite. It is a saturated fatty aldehyde, a n-alkanal and a medium-chain fatty aldehyde. Waxy, fatty, citrus and orange peel with a slight green melon nuance.
Hexanal
Hexanal, also called hexanaldehyde or caproaldehyde, is an alkyl aldehyde used in the flavor industry to produce fruity flavors. Its scent resembles freshly cut grass, like cis-3-hexenal. It is potentially useful as a natural extract that prevents fruit spoilage.
2-chloroacetophenone
Has a floral odor. Used as a riot control agent. The main uses for 2-chloroacetophenone are in tear gas and in chemical Mace. It is a potent eye, throat, and skin irritant.
Octanal
Octanal is the organic compound, an aldehyde, with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)6CHO. A colorless fragrant liquid with a fruit-like odor, it occurs naturally in citrus oils. It is used commercially as a component in perfumes and in flavor production for the food industry.
Pentanal
Pentanal is the organic compound is an alkyl aldehyde, molecular formula C5H10O. It is used in flavorings, resin chemistry, and rubber accelerators. Its smell is described as fermented, bready, fruity, nutty, berry.
Methyl anthranilate
Main ingredient for some bird repellants. Methyl anthranilate, also known as MA, methyl 2-aminobenzoate, or carbomethoxyaniline, is an ester of anthranilic acid. Its chemical formula is C8H9NO2. It has a fruity grape smell, and one of its key uses is as a flavoring agent.