The chemical structure of geosmin, the compound behind the smell of the Earth after rain, which itself is known as petrichor. Geosmin is a compound released by certain soil bacteria called Actinomycetes, and falling rains cause it to be released into the air. We are sensitive to 10 parts per trillion, or one drop in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Next time you’re dancing in the rain with someone you love, tell them how much you like the smell of (4S,4aS,8aR)-4,8a-Dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydronaphthalen-4a-ol.
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The chemical structure of geosmin, the compound behind the smell of the Earth after rain, which itself is known as petrichor. Geosmin is a compound released by certain soil bacteria called Actinomycetes, and falling rains cause it to be released into the air. We are sensitive to 10 parts per trillion, or one drop in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Next time you’re dancing in the rain with someone you love, tell them how much you like the smell of (4S,4aS,8aR)-4,8a-Dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydronaphthalen-4a-ol.