Why are “good smells” like perfume or flowers more likely to fade quickly than “bad smells” like smoke and rotting food?

Question

Why are “good smells” like perfume or flowers more likely to fade quickly than “bad smells” like smoke and rotting food?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

“Good smells” often come from volatile compounds that evaporate quickly and don’t linger, while “bad smells” from things like smoke or rotting food are often made of larger, more stable molecules that stick around longer. Plus, we’re wired to notice and remember danger-related smells more as a survival instinct.