Eugenol

Synonyms

2-Methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol; 1,3,4-Eugenol; 1-Hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene; 1-Hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-prop-2-enylbenzene; 1-Hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-propenylbenzene; 2-Methoxy-1-hydroxy-4-allylbenzene; 2-Methoxy-4-(2-propen-1-yl)phenol; 2-Methoxy-4-allylphenol; 2-Methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol; 2-Metoksy-4-allilofenol [Polish]; 4-Allyl-1-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene; 4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol; 4-Allylcatechol 2-methyl ether; 4-Allylcatechol-2-methyl ether; 4-Allylguaiacol; 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-1-allylbenzene; 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyallylbenzene; 5-Allylguaiacol; Allylguaiacol; Caryophyllic acid; Eugenic acid; Eugenol (natural); FA 100; Phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-; Phenol, 4-allyl-2-methoxy-; Synthetic eugenol; p-Allylguaiacol; p-Eugenol; Phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propen-1-yl)-; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Plant-Derived Allergens

Description

Colorless to pale yellow liquid with an odor of cloves; Darkened and thickened by air; [Merck Index] Colorless, light yellow, or amber liquid; [CAMEO]

Sources/Uses

A fragrance and spice derived from the oil of cloves; used in cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs, toothpastes, and foods; [Marks, p. 172-3] From numerous natural sources and the main active ingredient in cloves; Used in perfumery, flavoring, manufacture of vanillin, medicine (germicide and in over the counter drugs), dentistry (analgesic, root canal disinfectant, and in cements and other materials); Also used as an insect attractant, chemical intermediate, and denaturant for alcohol; Has been used as fungicide in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, as antiputrescent, and to treat flatulent colic; [HSDB] Active ingredient in consumer insecticides and Japanese beetle baits/traps; [NPIRS]

Comments

A contact skin allergen present in cosmetics and foods; [Marks, p. 172] Occupational asthma confirmed in a hairdresser; [Malo] Toxic by ingestion: metabolic acidosis, proteinuria, hepatotoxicity, CNS depression, ataxia, and convulsions; [HSDB] Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for use in foods; [FDA] A primary irritant; May cause skin sensitization and contact dermatitis; [CAMEO] Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; Acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0-2.5 mg/kg; [JECFA] Mildly irritating to human skin; [RTECS]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

0.01 mm Hg

LC50 > 2,580 mg/m3/4hr

high ambient temp required

Yes

Yes

Other CNS neurotoxin

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Not classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational
• Contact dermatitis, allergic
• Contact urticaria