FlavScents AInsights Entry for Birch Tar Oil (CAS: 8001-88-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Birch tar oil, also known as birch tar, is a natural complex material derived from the destructive distillation of the bark of birch trees, primarily Betula pendula and Betula pubescens. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for birch tar oil is 8001-88-5. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers include its use in IFRA standards for fragrance applications. The composition of birch tar oil can vary significantly depending on the source, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Birch tar oil is characterized by a strong, smoky, and tar-like odor with leathery and phenolic nuances. It is often described as having a burnt wood or campfire scent, which can be quite intense and diffusive. The oil is typically used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a distinctive smoky character. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its potent aroma suggests that it is effective at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Birch tar oil is naturally sourced from the bark of birch trees, primarily Betula pendula and Betula pubescens. The oil is produced through a process of destructive distillation, where the bark is heated in the absence of air, causing it to decompose and release volatile compounds. This process is similar to the production of other tar-like substances and is crucial for its designation as a "natural fragrance" or "natural flavor" material.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, birch tar oil is used to impart a smoky, burnt character to various products. It is commonly found in smoked foods, barbecue sauces, and certain alcoholic beverages. The typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. Birch tar oil is relatively stable under heat but can be susceptible to oxidation, which may alter its sensory profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Birch tar oil is a key component in the leather and smoky fragrance families. It is used in perfumes, soaps, and other personal care products to provide a rich, smoky, and leathery note. The oil functions as an impact note and is typically used in trace amounts due to its strong aroma. It contributes to the base notes of a fragrance, offering longevity and depth. Volatility is moderate, allowing it to blend well with other fragrance components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Birch tar oil contains a variety of constituents, including phenols, guaiacol, cresols, and other aromatic compounds. The exact composition can vary based on the source and processing methods. These constituents are responsible for the oil's characteristic smoky and phenolic aroma. It is important to note that the composition may differ significantly between batches.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, birch tar oil is not specifically listed as GRAS by FEMA but is used in compliance with general safety standards. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavorings. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, and in Latin America, such as Brazil, birch tar oil is subject to regional flavor and fragrance regulations, which may vary. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are generally based on safety assessments.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, birch tar oil is used at low levels in flavors, minimizing potential toxicity. Dermal exposure in fragrances may pose risks of irritation or sensitization, and it is subject to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is generally limited to occupational settings, where proper ventilation is recommended. The risk profiles differ between food and fragrance applications, with dermal exposure requiring more caution.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Birch tar oil is valued for its unique smoky aroma, which can enhance the complexity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other woody and leathery notes. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as it can easily overpower other components. It is often under-used due to its strong character but can be highly effective in creating distinctive profiles when used judiciously.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on birch tar oil is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical applications. However, there are gaps in specific toxicological data and regional regulatory nuances. Industry practices often rely on historical use and expert judgment due to these gaps.
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 2026-01-27 18:19:49 GMT (p2)