E

Eugenol

IUPAC: 2-methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol

C10H12O2 Organic Compounds CAS 97-53-0
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC10H12O2
CAS Number97-53-0
Molecular Weight164.20
Melting Point15.4 to 15.6 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point489 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.0652 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceEugenol appears as clear colorless pale yellow or amber-colored liquid. Odor of cloves. Spicy pungent taste. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known As2-methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol; 97-53-0; 4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol; 4-Allylguaiacol; Eugenic acid; Allylguaiacol; Caryophyllic acid; p-Eugenol; 2-Methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol; p-Allylguaiacol
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Eugenol?

Eugenol is a phenylpropanoid formally derived from guaiacol with an allyl chain substituted para to the hydroxy group. It is a major component of clove essential oil, and exhibits antibacterial, analgesic and antioxidant properties. It has been widely used in dentistry to treat toothache and pulpitis. It has a role as a sensitiser, a volatile oil component, an antibacterial agent, an analgesic, an antineoplastic agent, a flavouring agent, an EC 1.4.3.4 (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor, a voltage-gated sodium channel blocker, an anaesthetic, a radical scavenger, an allergen, an anti-inflammatory agent, an apoptosis inducer, a NF-kappaB inhibitor and a human blood serum metabolite. It is an alkenylbenzene, a monomethoxybenzene, a phenylpropanoid and a member of phenols. It is functionally related to a guaiacol.

Formula & Notation

C10H12O2

IUPAC Name: 2-methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol

Other Names / Synonyms: 2-methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol; 97-53-0; 4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol; 4-Allylguaiacol; Eugenic acid; Allylguaiacol; Caryophyllic acid; p-Eugenol; 2-Methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol; p-Allylguaiacol

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Eugenol appears as clear colorless pale yellow or amber-colored liquid. Odor of cloves. Spicy pungent taste. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C10H12O2. Molecular weight: 164.20 g/mol. Boiling point: 489 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 15.4 to 15.6 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.0652 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.01 mmHg at 68 °F ; 0.03 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 2.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point15.4 to 15.6 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point489 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.0652 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight164.20
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceEugenol appears as clear colorless pale yellow or amber-colored liquid. Odor of cloves. Spicy pungent taste. (NTP, 1992)

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Eugenol
Formula C10H12O2
CAS Number 97-53-0
Molecular Weight 164.20
Synonyms 2-methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol; 97-53-0; 4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol; 4-Allylguaiacol; Eugenic acid; Allylguaiacol; Caryophyllic acid; p-Eugenol; 2-Methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol; p-Allylguaiacol

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugenol is a phenylpropanoid formally derived from guaiacol with an allyl chain substituted para to the hydroxy group. It is a major component of clove essential oil, and exhibits antibacterial, analgesic and antioxidant properties. It has been widely used in dentistry to treat toothache and pulpitis. It has a role as a sensitiser, a volatile oil component, an antibacterial agent, an analgesic, an antineoplastic agent, a flavouring agent, an EC 1.4.3.4 (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor, a voltage-gated sodium channel blocker, an anaesthetic, a radical scavenger, an allergen, an anti-inflammatory agent, an apoptosis inducer, a NF-kappaB inhibitor and a human blood serum metabolite. It is an alkenylbenzene, a monomethoxybenzene, a phenylpropanoid and a member of phenols. It is functionally related to a guaiacol.

More "E" Terms

View all "E" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.