Cut grass

You probably won't remember the cut grass home spray they once sold at Pottery Barn ... and then discontinued, breaking my heart. Something made my ears perk up the other day with the mention of cut grass spray. Nothing smells better! 

I do grow little pots of grass in the spring for the bathroom so I can give them little hair cuts!  

What Causes The Smell of Fresh-Cut Grass? 

Grass emits volatile organic compounds normally, even without being cut. Research has shown that the amount of the compounds emitted can vary depending on light intensity and temperature. A wide range of compounds are given off, and both the intensity, and the identity of these compounds, is impacted when the plant is damaged. The emissions increase markedly when grass is cut, and it is the production of compounds containing six carbons, and oxygen, that causes the fresh-cut grass smell. 

Firstly, let’s consider how these compounds are formed. When the grass is mechanically damaged, by a lawnmower or otherwise, it triggers enzymes in the grass to start breaking down fats and phospholipids that are present. This leads to the formation of linolenic and linoleic acids, which are oxidised and subsequently broken down by another enzyme. The breakdown splits the molecule into fragments which tend to contain either 12 or 6 carbon atoms. It is these fragments that lead to the ‘cut grass’ smell.