FlavScents AInsights Entry for Eugenol (CAS: 97-53-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Eugenol
• IUPAC Name: 4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol
• CAS Number: 97-53-0
• FEMA Number: 2467
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.013, CoE No. 146
• Molecular Formula: C10H12O2
• Molecular Weight: 164.20 g/mol

Eugenol is a phenolic compound characterized by an allyl chain and a methoxy group attached to a benzene ring. This structure contributes to its distinctive spicy, clove-like aroma, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Eugenol is renowned for its warm, spicy, and clove-like odor, with a sweet, woody undertone. It is a potent compound with a strong diffusion and a high impact even at low concentrations. The taste threshold of eugenol is relatively low, making it effective as an impact note in flavor formulations. Its sensory role often includes providing background realism and enhancing the complexity of spice blends.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Eugenol is naturally found in several plants, most notably in clove oil, where it constitutes a significant portion. It is also present in cinnamon, nutmeg, and basil. The compound can be formed through enzymatic processes in plants and is a key component in the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" when derived from these sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Eugenol is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in spice blends, bakery products, and beverages. It serves as a primary impact note in clove and cinnamon flavors and is used to enhance the warmth and depth of various flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 150 ppm, depending on the application. Eugenol is stable under heat but can be prone to oxidation, necessitating careful formulation to maintain its sensory qualities.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, eugenol is utilized across various fragrance families, including oriental, spicy, and woody compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the warmth and complexity of the fragrance. Typical concentrations in perfumes range from trace amounts to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Eugenol is moderately volatile, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.013.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Eugenol's regulatory status is well-established, though variations exist in concentration limits and application types across regions.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Eugenol is considered safe for use in food and fragrances at typical exposure levels. Oral exposure is regulated with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by JECFA. Dermal exposure in fragrances is subject to IFRA guidelines due to potential sensitization risks. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with careful attention to concentration limits.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Eugenol is valued for its ability to impart warmth and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other spice and woody notes but can dominate a formulation if overused. Common pitfalls include oxidation and overpowering other components. It is frequently under-utilized in low concentrations where its impact can be maximized without overwhelming the blend.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on eugenol is well-documented, with extensive research supporting its sensory and safety profiles. Industry practices are well-established, though some regional regulatory nuances require careful attention. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory updates.

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
• No complex natural material section required for eugenol

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 07:42:25 GMT (p2)