FlavScents AInsights Entry for Meta-Dimethyl Hydroquinone (CAS: 151-10-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Meta-dimethyl hydroquinone
• IUPAC Name: 2,5-Dimethylbenzene-1,4-diol
• CAS Number: 151-10-0
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C8H10O2
• Molecular Weight: 138.17 g/mol

Meta-dimethyl hydroquinone is a phenolic compound characterized by two methyl groups attached to a hydroquinone structure. The presence of hydroxyl groups contributes to its antioxidant properties, while the methyl groups influence its volatility and odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Meta-dimethyl hydroquinone is known for its mild, sweet, and slightly phenolic odor. It is not typically used for its flavor but may contribute to the overall sensory profile of a formulation as a background note. The compound's odor threshold is not well-documented, but it is generally considered to have a low intensity and diffusion.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Meta-dimethyl hydroquinone is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical processes. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin. The compound may be formed as a byproduct in the degradation of certain aromatic compounds.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Meta-dimethyl hydroquinone is not widely used in flavor applications due to its limited sensory impact. When used, it serves as a background modifier rather than a primary flavor note. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages are not well-documented, but it is generally used at low concentrations, often below 10 ppm, to avoid overpowering other flavor components. The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, meta-dimethyl hydroquinone is used sparingly, primarily as a modifier to enhance the depth and complexity of a scent. It is not a primary fragrance note but can contribute to the overall olfactory profile. Typical concentration ranges are low, often less than 0.1% in the final product. The compound is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety guidelines.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general safety standards.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general safety compliance recommended.
• Latin America: No specific regulations; general safety compliance recommended.

Meta-dimethyl hydroquinone is not explicitly approved for flavor or fragrance use in many regions, and formulators should ensure compliance with local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found; usage should be minimal and comply with general safety guidelines.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be in place.

The risk profile for meta-dimethyl hydroquinone may differ between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls typically applied in fragrance formulations due to potential dermal exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Meta-dimethyl hydroquinone is valued for its antioxidant properties and ability to subtly modify sensory profiles. It can synergize with other phenolic compounds to enhance stability and depth. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate flavors or fragrances if used excessively. It is often under-utilized due to its subtle impact, but when used judiciously, it can enhance the complexity of a formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on meta-dimethyl hydroquinone is limited, with much of the information being industry-typical but undocumented. Known data gaps include specific sensory thresholds and comprehensive regulatory approvals. Formulators should rely on best practices and consult authoritative sources for the most current information.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-07-08 14:52:01 GMT (p2)