In the laboratory, an ester can be smelled by gently wafting its vapor towards the nose. To do this, a small amount of the ester is usually placed in a test tube or on a piece of filter paper, then gently warmed or agitated to release its vapors. The chemist would then use a hand or other object to create a gentle flow of air towards the nose, pulling the vapors towards their olfactory receptors. It is important to never directly sniff the contents of a test tube, as this can be dangerous and potentially harmful to the chemist's health.
