6073. Methyleugenol

Nomenclature

CAS number: 93-15-2
1,2-Dimethoxy-4-(2-propenyl)benzene; 4-allyl-1,2-dimethyoxybenzene; 4-allylveratrole; 3,4-dimethoxyallylbenzene; eugenol methyl ether.
C11H14O2; mol wt 178.23.
C 74.13%, H 7.92%, O 17.95%.

Description and references

Natural constituent of the volatile oils of various plants, including cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, basil, and anise. Prepn: K. U. Matsmoto, Ber. 11, 122 (1878). Isoln from the bark of Cinnamomum oliveri: G. W. Hargreaves, J. Chem. Soc. 109, 751 (1916). Raman spectroscopy: B. Susz et al., Helv. Chim. Acta 19, 548 (1936). Toxicity: P. M. Jenner et al., Food Cosmet. Toxicol. 2, 327 (1964). HPLC determn in plasma: S. W. Graves, S. Runyon, J. Chromatogr. B 663, 255 (1995). GC/MS determn in basil cultivars: M. Miele et al., J. Agric. Food Chem. 49, 517 (2001). Biosynthesis in sweet basil: E. Lewinsohn et al., Plant Sci. 160, 27 (2000). Safety assessment: R. L. Smith et al., Food Chem. Toxicol. 40, 851 (2002).

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless to pale yellow liquid. bp30 146-147°. bp760 244°. nD20 1.53432. nD27 1.5305. d420 1.0396. LD50 orally in rats: 1560 mg/kg (Jenner).

Caution

This substance is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen: Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition (PB2005-104914, 2004) p III-170.

Use

Fragrance ingredient in perfumes, toiletries and detergents; flavor ingredient in baked goods.