Anisyl Alcohol Aroma Chemical
CAS# 105-13-5

Anisyl Alcohol (also known as 4-Methoxybenzyl alcohol, Anise alcohol, or p-Methoxybenzyl alcohol) with the CAS number 105-13-5 is an important organic compound. It typically exists as a colorless to pale yellow liquid or as a solid crystal depending on room temperature, with a melting point of approximately 22-25°C. Although it is commonly produced through chemical synthesis methods, such as the catalytic hydrogenation of anisaldehyde, Anisyl alcohol also occurs naturally in plants and extracts such as vanilla (Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla tahitensis), anise, and honey.

In terms of olfactory characteristics, this ingredient stands out with its sweet, soft floral fragrance intertwined with creamy, powdery, and balsamic notes. Its scent is reminiscent of the delicate aromas of hawthorn, lilac, jasmine, and heliotrope, combined with hints of vanilla and almond. With a volatility positioned as a heart note and good tenacity (lasting over 30 hours on a smelling strip), Anisyl alcohol acts as an excellent fixative and modifier. It helps bring roundness and a smooth projection to the overall perfume composition without overpowering other fragile notes.

In the beauty and flavor industries, Anisyl alcohol offers incredibly versatile applications. Thanks to its high chemical stability in alkaline environments, it is an ideal choice for fragrancing personal care products such as soaps, lotions, deodorants, and talcum powder, helping to prevent the discoloration issues often associated with delicate aldehyde derivatives. In the food industry, it serves as a flavoring agent to provide fruity, vanilla, and creamy notes to beverages and confectionery. Furthermore, in pure chemistry, Anisyl alcohol is a valuable intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis and a common reagent used to create protective groups for hydroxyl and phenol groups.

Despite its excellent properties, the use of Anisyl alcohol must strictly adhere to international safety standards and regulations. Because of its potential to cause skin sensitization, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has implemented safe concentration limits (for example, a maximum limit of 0.21% in fine fragrances under Category 4). Simultaneously, according to European Union (EU) regulations, Anisyl alcohol is one of the 26 fragrance allergens that must be declared on product packaging labels if its concentration exceeds 0.001% for leave-on products or 0.01% for rinse-off products.