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Why Do Some CDRs Smell Like Almonds?

Posted by Cliff on from the seeking-the-chemical-details dept.

bertok asks: "I have several spindles of CD-Rs of various brands that I use at home and work, and some of them have a very strong almond odour when opened. Does anyone know what causes that? I know that Hydrogen Cyanide has a distinctive almond odour, but so does a range of other organic chemicals. Can any Slashdot readers with a chemistry background enlighten us as to the possible source of the smell?"

1 of 65 comments (clear)

  1. Lacquer by AllMightyPaul · · Score: 2, Interesting

    There is a lacquer on all CD-Rs that has a distinct smell. I don't recall it smelling like almonds though ... I remember it being rather pungent and gross.