Why do esters smell sweet?

Esters often smell sweet due to their molecular structure and their ability to interact with receptors in the nose that are sensitive to sweet smells. Esters are organic compounds formed by the reaction between an alcohol and an acid. They typically have a pleasant, fruity aroma reminiscent of fruits, flowers, or candies. This characteristic smell arises from the presence of the ester functional group (–COO–), which imparts a fruity or sweet odor to many naturally occurring substances. For instance, ethyl acetate, a simple ester commonly found in fruits like apples and bananas, has a sweet, fruity smell. Additionally, esters are volatile compounds, meaning they readily vaporize at room temperature, allowing their aroma to be detected easily by the human nose.