FlavScents AInsights Entry: Clove Bud Oil (CAS: 8000-34-8)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Clove bud oil is a natural complex material derived from the flower buds of the clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for clove bud oil is 8000-34-8. It is commonly referred to as clove oil or clove bud essential oil. The oil does not have a specific IUPAC name due to its complex nature. It is recognized by FEMA with the number 2323. Other identifiers include its FL number 02.005 and CoE number 184. Clove bud oil is characterized by its high eugenol content, which significantly contributes to its aroma and flavor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Clove bud oil is renowned for its warm, spicy, and sweet aroma, often described as having a strong, penetrating scent with a hint of fruitiness. The oil's flavor is similarly intense, with a pungent, slightly astringent taste that can be overpowering if used excessively. It serves as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance formulations, providing a distinctive clove character. The odor threshold for eugenol, the primary constituent, is relatively low, making clove bud oil effective even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Clove bud oil is naturally sourced from the unopened flower buds of the clove tree, primarily grown in Indonesia, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. The oil is extracted through steam distillation, a process that preserves its volatile compounds. Clove bud oil's designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" is due to its direct derivation from plant material without synthetic alteration. The formation of its key constituents, such as eugenol, occurs naturally within the plant as part of its secondary metabolism.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Clove bud oil is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in spice blends, bakery products, and confectionery. It acts as a flavor enhancer and provides a warm, spicy note that complements other spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Typical use levels in food range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the type of product. Clove bud oil is relatively stable under heat but can oxidize over time, which may alter its flavor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, clove bud oil is a versatile ingredient used in oriental and spicy fragrance families. It serves as a middle note, providing warmth and depth to compositions. The oil is often used in concentrations ranging from trace amounts to 5% in fragrance formulations. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to blend well with both top and base notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Clove bud oil's primary constituent is eugenol, which can constitute up to 85% of the oil. Other significant components include eugenyl acetate, beta-caryophyllene, and humulene. The composition of clove bud oil can vary based on the geographical origin, harvest time, and distillation process, which influences its sensory and functional properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, clove bud oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food by FEMA. The European Union lists it under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number, allowing its use in food and beverages. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China permit its use under specific guidelines, while in Latin America, regulations may vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries having their own standards. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify country-specific regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Clove bud oil's safety profile is well-documented, with eugenol being the primary focus. For oral exposure, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not clearly defined, but typical use levels are considered safe. Dermal exposure in fragrances can cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, and IFRA provides guidelines to mitigate these risks. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk, but occupational safety measures should be in place during handling. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with dermal exposure requiring more caution.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Clove bud oil is valued for its potent aroma and flavor, making it a staple in both culinary and fragrance applications. It synergizes well with other spices and floral notes, enhancing complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as overuse can dominate blends. It is often under-utilized in subtle applications where its impact can be controlled for a balanced profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on clove bud oil is well-established, with extensive documentation on its sensory and functional properties. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some regional regulatory nuances exist. Known data gaps include specific ADI values, which require formulators to rely on industry-typical practices.
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
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
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 2026-08-20 18:30:25 GMT (p2)
