The correct answer is **A. Esters**.
### Explanation:
Esters are a class of organic compounds that are commonly associated with fruity smells. They are derived from carboxylic acids and alcohols through a reaction called esterification. The reaction typically involves replacing the hydrogen atom of the carboxylic acid group with an alkyl or aryl group from an alcohol, resulting in an ester and water as a byproduct.
The structure of an ester is represented as \( RCOOR' \), where \( R \) and \( R' \) are alkyl or aryl groups. Esters are responsible for the pleasant scents of many fruits and are used in the food and fragrance industry to replicate fruit flavors and aromas. For example:
- **Ethyl acetate** has a sweet, fruity smell and is found in some fruit flavors.
- **Isoamyl acetate** is known for its strong banana-like odor.
- **Methyl butanoate** smells like apples.
The fruity smell is due to the specific molecular structure of esters, which allows them to interact with the olfactory receptors in our nose, producing a characteristic pleasant aroma.
### Other Options:
- **B. Alcohols**: While some alcohols may have pleasant or strong odors, they do not typically have a fruity smell. Alcohols have a hydroxyl group (-OH) and their smells vary widely, with some being sharp or even medicinal.
- **C. Chloroform**: Chloroform is a type of halogenated hydrocarbon. It has a distinct sweet smell, but it is not fruity. It's a colorless, volatile liquid that has historically been used as an anesthetic.
- **D. Acid anhydride**: Acid anhydrides have a pungent, often acrid smell and are not associated with fruity aromas. They are derived from carboxylic acids by the removal of water molecules.
Hence, esters are the compounds responsible for fruity smells.