Which of the following is a characteristic of essential oils?

Essential oils are characterized as volatile and non-water soluble compounds. This means that they can easily evaporate at room temperature, allowing them to disperse their aromatic properties into the air, which is a fundamental trait of how essential oils are used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and various industrial applications. Their volatility contributes to their intense scent, as they can provide strong fragrances even in small quantities.

Additionally, essential oils are often non-polar substances, making them hydrophobic and insoluble in water. Instead, they typically dissolve in oils or alcohols, which is critical for their extraction and application. This physical property influences their industrial uses and the methods employed for extraction, such as steam distillation or cold pressing.

The other characteristics mentioned in the options do not accurately reflect the nature of essential oils, as they are not generally water-soluble, their scents are not misleading but rather distinct and true to the source plant, and they can be produced both naturally from plant sources and synthetically, but they are not exclusively synthetic.