A dataset of laymen olfactory perception for 74 mono-molecular odors

Abstract The molecular structure of an odor determines whether and how it is perceived by humans. However, the principles of how odorant chemistry links to perceptual patterns remain largely unknown and are primarily studied using odor rating datasets from highly trained olfactory experts, such as p...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Antonie Louise Bierling, Alexander Croy, Tim Jesgarzewsky, Maria Rommel, Gianaurelio Cuniberti, Thomas Hummel, Ilona Croy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-02-01
Series:Scientific Data
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-04644-2
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Summary:Abstract The molecular structure of an odor determines whether and how it is perceived by humans. However, the principles of how odorant chemistry links to perceptual patterns remain largely unknown and are primarily studied using odor rating datasets from highly trained olfactory experts, such as perfumers. This limits our knowledge of typical odor perception and its variability over individuals. We provide a dataset featuring free descriptions, evaluative ratings, and qualitative labels for 74 chemically diverse mono-molecular odorants, rated by a large sample of young adults. A total of 1,227 participants described and rated the odors, and completed questionnaires covering their demographic background, personality traits, and the role of olfaction in their daily lives. The dataset offers a valuable foundation for research aimed at understanding the fundamentals of olfactory perception.
ISSN:2052-4463