Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

Question:  What is the chemical composition of pheromones, how does that 
chemical react with a brain, and do humans have or receive phermones?
 teresa m steely

Answer:
Pheromones is a general name for chemicals that take part in attraction,
fear, and aggression mechanisms of an organism.  They can be as simple
as isoamyl acetate (for bees) and valeric acid to complex molecules
related to steroids (another general class of chemicals).  I do believe
there has always been ongoing research in whether pheromones work with
humans (ask the perfume/cologne manufacturers!), so you may want to
check scientific periodicals.
-Joe Schultz