Isosafrole
Agent Name
Isosafrole
CAS Number
120-58-1
Formula
C10-H10-O2
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
1,2-Methylenedioxy-4-propenylbenzene; 1,3-Benzodioxole, 5-(1-propenyl)-; 3,4-(Methylenedioxy)-1-propenylbenzene; 3,4-Methylenedioxy-1-propenyl benzene; 4-Propenyl-1,2-methylenedioxybenzene; 4-Propenylcatechol methylene ether; 5-(1-Propenyl)-1,3-benzodioxole; 6-(1-Propenyl)-1,3-benzodioxole; Izosafrol; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Other Aromatic Compounds
Description
Colorless liquid with an anise odor; [Hawley] Slightly yellow clear liquid; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used to manufacture heliotropin, perfumes, pesticide synergists, root beer flavors, and soaps; [HSDB]
Comments
Emergency treatment: "Sassafras oil"; Safrole is the toxic agent in sassafras oil; Safrole is classified as 2B (possible human carcinogen) by IARC; Safrole is metabolized in the body to 1'-hydroxysafrole; Ingestion of 5 ml of sassafras oil can cause severe symptoms (tachycardia, hypotension, and respiratory paralysis) or death; Large doses may damage the liver; Drinking 10 cups of sassafras tea caused sweating in one adult subject; [HSDB] A skin irritant; Effects in high-dose animal studies include convulsions; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
0.025 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
VP from ChemIDplus;
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
IARC Carcinogen
Not classifiable
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.