FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-anethol (CAS: 4180-23-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Anethole, (E)-anethol
• IUPAC Name: 1-Methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)benzene
• CAS Number: 4180-23-8
• FEMA Number: 2086
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.013
• Molecular Formula: C10H12O
• Molecular Weight: 148.20 g/mol

(E)-anethol is a phenylpropene, a type of aromatic compound that contributes significantly to its characteristic sweet, anise-like odor. The methoxy group and the propenyl side chain are crucial for its olfactory properties, influencing both its scent profile and its volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E)-anethol is renowned for its sweet, anise-like aroma, often described as licorice-like with a warm, spicy undertone. It is a high-impact compound with a strong diffusion and a relatively low odor threshold, making it a potent ingredient in both flavor and fragrance formulations. Its sensory role is typically as an impact note, providing a distinctive anise character that can dominate or enhance a composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(E)-anethol is naturally found in essential oils of anise (Pimpinella anisum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and star anise (Illicium verum). It is biosynthesized in plants through the shikimic acid pathway, which is common for many aromatic compounds. Its presence in these plants qualifies it for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction method used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(E)-anethol is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in confectionery, beverages, and baked goods. It serves as a primary flavoring agent in licorice and anise-flavored products. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intensely flavored items. It is relatively stable under heat but can oxidize, affecting its flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, (E)-anethol is used across various fragrance families, including oriental and gourmand. It acts as a modifier or impact note, providing a sweet, spicy character. Concentration ranges in fragrances are typically low, often less than 1%, due to its potent aroma. It contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, (E)-anethol is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. The UK follows EU regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, it is approved for use in Japan and China, with specific limits in ASEAN countries. In Latin America, it is generally accepted, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries aligning with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (E)-anethol has an established ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) by JECFA, indicating its safety in food applications at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is regulated by IFRA, which provides guidelines to minimize irritation and sensitization risks. Inhalation exposure is generally considered low risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure limits should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E)-anethol is valued for its strong, sweet anise character, which can enhance or dominate a formulation. It synergizes well with other sweet and spicy notes, such as vanilla and cinnamon. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering a blend. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its impact can be subtly layered.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (E)-anethol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily concerning long-term exposure studies.

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

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 2026-04-30 10:29:24 GMT (p2)