Guaiacol

Synonyms

o-Methoxyphenol; 1-Hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene; 2-Hydroxyanisole; 2-Methoxyphenol; Anastil; Guaiacol (natural); Guaiastil; Guaicol; Guaicolina; Guajacol; Guajakol [Czech]; Guajol; Guasol; Methylcatechol; O-Methyl catechol; Phenol, 2-methoxy-; Phenol, o-methoxy-; Pyrocatechol methyl ether; Pyrocatechol monomethyl ether; Pyroguaiac acid; o-Guaiacol; o-Hydroxyanisole; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Plant Oils and Extracts

Description

White or slightly yellow solid or colorless to yellowish liquid; Darkened by light and air; solidifies at 28 deg C (may remain liquid at lower temperatures); [Merck Index] Solid or liquid; mp = 32 deg C; [HSDB] Low melting solid; mp = 28-29 deg C; [MSDSon

Sources/Uses

Naturally occurs in guaiac resin, animal wastes, and essential oils of plants; Used as an antioxidant (for fats, oils, and vitamins), anti-gumming agent in hydrocarbon solvents, anti-skinning agent in surface coatings; flavoring agent, polymerization inhibitor, stimulant expectorant, local anesthetic, and chemical intermediate (medicines, guaiacol compounds, and perfumes); [HSDB]

Comments

Emergency treatment: "Phenol and related agents"; [HSDB] May cause skin and eye irritation; Can be absorbed through skin; [CAMEO] Causes somnolence and acts as a general anesthetic; Causes elevation of transaminase enzymes; Mild eye irritant in rabbits; [RTECS] Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] An irritant; [MSDSonline] See "Phenol."

Biomedical References

0.103 mm Hg

LC50 (mice) = 7,570 mg/m3

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold = 0.001-0.002 ppm (recognition); [CHEMINFO]

Acute solvent syndrome

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

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)