Flavors & Fragrances
REACH
Guaiacol
CAS Number
90-05-1
EC Number
804-496-7
FEMA Number
FEMA 2532
What is Guaiacol?
Guaiacol (CAS 90-05-1), also known commercially as 2-Methoxyphenol, is a naturally derived phenolic compound obtained from wood creosote and lignin distillation.
Where is Guaiacol used?
- Industry: flavoring agent and fragrance intermediate
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing: precursor and key starting material for synthesizing expectorants and other active pharmaceutical ingredients
- Food and flavor production: smoky, woody note in smoked meats, whiskeys, and specialty flavor blends
- Fragrance: building block for leather, tobacco, and phenolic accords
- Antioxidant and preservative applications draw on its phenolic activity, which helps stabilize formulations against oxidative degradation.
Good to know: Carries FEMA 2532 status as an approved flavoring substance. Commercial grades include food-grade (FCC), pharmaceutical-grade (USP or BP), and technical-grade.
Commercial specifications
- Solidification near room temperature
Other Names (Synonyms)
2-Methoxyphenol|o-Methoxyphenol|2-Hydroxyanisole|o-Guaiacol|Guaiastil|o-Hydroxyanisole|Phenol, 2-methoxy-|Pyroguaiac acid
What are the physical properties of Guaiacol?
Melting Point 32 °C
Boiling Point 204-206 °C
Density 1.1287 g/cm³ @ Temp: 21 °C
Flash Point 180 °F
Appearance Light Yellow Oil
Color Clear colorless to light yellow
Odor at 1.00 % in dipropylene glycol. phenolic smoke spice vanilla woody
Form Liquid After Melting
Water Solubility 17 g/L (15 ºC)
Vapor Pressure 0.11 mm Hg ( 25 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.543(lit.)
pH 5.4 (10g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P 1.34
How is Guaiacol classified and handled safely? Learn More
Hazard Statements
H302 Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]
H315 Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]
H318 Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
H319 Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Guaiacol?
HS Code 29095010
Storage Class 11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany) 1