Possibly the most widely used chemical in perfumery. Why? Because it's the first aroma molecule to have peer-reviewed research to support the idea that is may have a sex-pheromone effect in humans. Arcadi Boix Camps, a perfumier, writing in 'Perfumery: Techniques in Evolution, 2nd Edition' says it is “the compound that without a doubt has most influenced modern perfumery and has allowed the great artists to develop their ideas with inspiration.  It was used for the first time in Eau Sauvage and in Diorissimo, and it has become famous because it gives to compositions a delicate, fresh, smooth, radiant, warm, elegant character that blends well with all kinds of perfumes from floral-citrics to woody, chypre and oriental.”

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The compound was first developed as a synthetic and economical alternative to Jasmine, as has similarties with the heady scent of true Jasmine. In wine, you might find yourself describing Jasmine in fragrant white wines, within the white flower cluster alongside perhaps honeysuckle, orange blossom and chamomile.