Molecular orbital approach to odor molecules: Normal fatty acids and cyclamenaldehydes

Eight normal fatty acids and 24 cyclamenaldehydes were analyzed based on the molecular orbital theory using Computer-Aided Chemistry Programs (CAChe Programs) with PM3 parameters. We found reactive sites with high values of electrophilic frontier densities (EFDs) at appointed positions in both molecules. EFD is a theoretical index that predicts reactive sites acting as electron donors. A change in the values of EFDs in normal fatty acids would account for the selectivity in the response of a single olfactory receptor cell to the fatty acids. Changes in the values of EFDs at appointed positions of cyclamenaldehydes also correlated with their odor characteristics and intensities. This fact indicates that cyclamenaldehydes have common reactive sites that play a critical role in interactions with a receptor. Changes in their reactivities alter the odor characteristics and intensities of the molecules judged by perfumers, indicating that human discrimination of cyclamenaldehyde odor is determined at the stage of interaction between cyclamenaldehydes and an odor receptor. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 79: 101–108, 2000