While no synthases specific to Artemisia absinthium have been sufficiently isolated to recreate this particular sesquiterpene formation in vitro, the general reaction scheme presented here portrays a likely scenario for Absinthin biosynthesis through the use of terpene intermediates utilized in the biosynthesis of Germacrene A, another sesquiterpene lactone.
The fragrance of the flowers has been described as "rubbery", and is caused by several compounds, including ethyl benzoate, trans-β-ocimene, limonene, and germacrene.