Examples of substances acting as olfactory indicators include vinegar (acetic acid), which has a sour odor that becomes more pungent in acidic conditions, and ammonia, which has a strong, pungent odor that becomes more noticeable in basic conditions.
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Substances serving as olfactory indicators include:
1. Natural Gas: The odorant added to natural gas, often ethyl mercaptan, aids in gas leak detection due to its distinctive smell.
2. Ammonia: Ammonia has a strong, pungent odor, helping to identify its presence.
3. Garlic: Compounds containing sulfur, responsible for the characteristic smell of garlic, can indicate the presence of certain sulfur-containing compounds.
4. Rotten Eggs (Hydrogen Sulfide): The smell of rotten eggs is associated with hydrogen sulfide, alerting to its presence.
These substances leverage distinct odors to serve as olfactory indicators, aiding in the detection of specific chemicals or potential hazards.