Image description: Infographic on the aroma of books. The smell of old books is produced by the gradual breakdown of cellulose and lignin in paper. Type of paper and age of the book affect the compounds produced, which include furfural, vanillin and benzaldehyde. The aroma of new books is equally variable, the compounds causing it coming from adhesives, inks, and chemicals used for paper treatment. Many of these chemicals are odorless themselves, but can react and contribute to the release of aroma chemicals.
(Originally published earlier today on mstdn.social) - Click the Fedi-Link to visit.
@topherclay It’s certainly a spectrum rather than a dichotomy. There is only so much that can be highlighted in the format of these graphics but there are references provided at the link to explore in more detail if the topic has piqued your interest!