Which of the following is not a terpene scent?

• A. Floral
• B. Citrus
• C. Green Onion
• D. Woody

Answer: (C)

Terpenes are a large family of aromatic compounds produced by many plants, and they’re responsible for many familiar scents like floral, citrus, and woody notes. For example, linalool gives a floral fragrance, limonene gives citrusy brightness, and pinene contributes a woody, piney aroma. Green onion, on the other hand, smells not because of terpenes but because of sulfur-containing compounds formed in the plant, especially when it’s cut. Those sulfur compounds—not terpenes—drive the sharp onion scent. So green onion is not a terpene scent, which is why it’s the correct choice. The other options align with typical terpene-derived smells.