FlavScents AInsights Entry for Dihydroeugenol (CAS: 2785-87-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Dihydroeugenol
- IUPAC Name: 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol
- CAS Number: 2785-87-7
- FEMA Number: 2473
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.013
- Molecular Formula: C10H14O2
- Molecular Weight: 166.22 g/mol
Dihydroeugenol is a phenolic compound characterized by a methoxy group and a propyl side chain. Its structure contributes to its odor profile, which is reminiscent of clove but with a softer, less pungent character. The presence of the methoxy group is crucial for its olfactory properties, providing a sweet, spicy aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Dihydroeugenol is known for its warm, spicy, and sweet odor, often described as clove-like but milder. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as a background note or modifier in both flavors and fragrances. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable impact even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Dihydroeugenol is naturally found in certain essential oils, such as clove oil and nutmeg oil. It can also be formed through the hydrogenation of eugenol, a process that reduces the double bond in the allyl side chain. This compound is relevant for "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural sources or processes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Dihydroeugenol is used in various flavor categories, including spice, vanilla, and bakery flavors. It serves as a functional component to enhance warmth and depth, often used in conjunction with other spicy or sweet notes. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is relatively stable under heat and acidic conditions but may oxidize over time.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrances, dihydroeugenol is utilized in oriental, spicy, and woody fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, providing warmth and complexity. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. It contributes primarily to the middle notes due to its moderate volatility.
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 in Japan and China, with specific use levels varying by country.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions.
Explicit approvals exist for flavor use, while fragrance use is subject to IFRA guidelines. Some variability in regulations may occur, particularly in Asia and Latin America.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, dihydroeugenol is considered safe within the established GRAS limits, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally regarded as low risk. Dermal exposure in fragrances is subject to IFRA standards, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Dihydroeugenol is valued for its ability to impart warmth and complexity in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other spicy and sweet notes, enhancing overall depth. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate blends if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking subtlety and balance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on dihydroeugenol is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory properties and regulatory status. Industry practices are documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps include specific ADI values and comprehensive sensory thresholds.
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 2026-09-02 11:23:54 GMT (p2)
