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

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Eugenol is a phenolic compound commonly known for its presence in clove oil. Its IUPAC name is 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol. The CAS number for eugenol is 97-53-0, and it is recognized by FEMA with the number 2467. Other identifiers include FL number 02.013 and CoE number 182. Eugenol has a molecular formula of C10H12O2 and a molecular weight of 164.20 g/mol. The compound features an allyl chain and a methoxy group attached to a phenolic ring, contributing to its characteristic spicy, clove-like aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Eugenol is characterized by its warm, spicy, and clove-like odor, with a sweet, woody undertone. It is a potent compound with a strong diffusion and is often used as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance formulations. The taste threshold of eugenol is relatively low, making it effective in small concentrations. It is typically used to impart a spicy, warm character to formulations, enhancing background realism and acting as a modifier in complex blends.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Eugenol is naturally found in several plants, most notably in clove (Syzygium aromaticum), but also in cinnamon, nutmeg, and basil. It is biosynthesized in plants through the shikimate pathway, which leads to the formation of phenylpropanoids. Eugenol's presence in essential oils makes it relevant for "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, as it can be extracted directly from plant 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, confectionery, and beverages. It serves as a key component in clove, cinnamon, and allspice flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 150 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. Eugenol is relatively stable under heat but can oxidize over time, which may affect its flavor profile. Formulators should consider its strong impact and potential for overpowering other notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, eugenol is used across various fragrance families, including oriental, spicy, and woody compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing warmth and depth. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect. Eugenol contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, eugenol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA. The European Union lists eugenol under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom aligns with EU regulations. In Asia, eugenol is approved for use in Japan and China, with specific guidelines under ASEAN regulations. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR follow similar regulatory frameworks, although specific limits may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Eugenol's safety profile varies with exposure routes. Orally, it has an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by JECFA, and its margin of safety is considered adequate for typical flavor use. Dermally, eugenol can cause irritation and sensitization, leading to its regulation by IFRA in fragrance applications. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk at typical use levels, but occupational exposure should be monitored. The risk profiles differ slightly between food and fragrance applications, with dermal exposure being more critical in the latter.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Eugenol is valued for its potent, warm, and spicy character, making it a staple in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other spice and woody notes but can easily dominate a blend if not used judiciously. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering clove note, and oxidation, which can alter its sensory profile. Formulators often underutilize eugenol's ability to enhance background complexity in subtle applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on eugenol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily concerning long-term exposure effects at high concentrations.

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 2026-09-04 06:56:40 GMT (p2)