Artificial Nitromusks, Stories of Chemists and Businessmen

The scientific and industrial saga of artificial nitro-musks is presented. Stemming from 18th century natural sciences, nitrated artificial musks were developed during the industrial revolution, culminating in the post-WWII era, to decline and eventually vanish in the 20th century. Stories associated with their discovery, production, and uses are complemented by chemical and historical considerations.