Dihydro Eugenol Aroma Chemical
CAS# 2785-87-7

Sometimes inspiration from nature needs a touch of science to become perfect. That is the story of Dihydroeugenol-a compound that carries the warm legacy of clove, refined to be more elegant and versatile.

The story of Dihydroeugenol begins in nature. It is produced through the hydrogenation of Eugenol, a naturally occurring compound found in abundance in clove essential oil. While Eugenol has a powerful, characteristic clove scent, it also has drawbacks such as a tendency to discolor and instability in certain product environments, especially alkaline media. Dihydroeugenol was created to solve these issues. Hydrogenation subtly transforms the molecular structure, preserving much of Eugenol’s desired olfactive “soul” while delivering superior chemical stability and a smoother, softer scent.

In appearance, this compound is a slightly viscous liquid, clear and colorless to very pale yellow. Its aroma is a warm whisper of sweet spice-reminiscent of clove, but polished into something gentler and more refined.

Thanks to these advantages, Dihydroeugenol has become an important ingredient in building classic floral accords such as carnation and wallflower, as well as in deep Oriental compositions. In particular, its high stability makes it an ideal choice for fragrances in soaps and detergents-applications where its sibling Eugenol often struggles.

Description

Dihydroeugenol breathes a warm, spicy soul into the heart of a fragrance. It sits firmly in the mid-notes and can gracefully extend its influence down into the base. Classified within the Spice family with floral and woody facets, it functions as an important modifier, especially in floral accords.

Its scent is a symphony of warmth, sweetness, and spice. Steffen Arctander captured its essence perfectly when he described it as “sweet, slightly spicy, reminiscent of Eugenol but softer, sweeter, and somewhat more balsamic,” having removed the harsh, dry aspects of its predecessor. It has medium intensity with good diffusion, and is particularly notable for its long-lasting tenacity-able to persist for over 100 hours on a scent strip.

It is indispensable for bringing a natural, full-bodied carnation accord to life. It adds warmth and depth to other florals such as rose and ylang-ylang. In Oriental fragrances, it amplifies the spicy dimension, making the scent richer and warmer. Technically, Dihydroeugenol is a liquid and dissolves readily in alcohol as well as common solvents, so it can be used directly in formulations.

Applications

Dihydroeugenol’s versatility allows it to appear in many products, from fine fragrance to personal care items such as lotions and shower gels. However, its true value is especially evident in its outstanding stability in alkaline environments, making it a preferred choice for bar soaps and cleaning products such as laundry powders and liquid detergents. Its scent also carries well in scented candles and home fragrance products.

That said, its use must be carefully controlled. Due to its potential to cause skin sensitization, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has restricted its use, with a maximum permitted level in products such as perfume of 0.6% under the 49th Amendment. For the same reason, under European Union regulations, manufacturers may need to list its name on the ingredient label if the concentration exceeds the applicable threshold. To ensure safety and quality, it should be stored in a cool place away from light to minimize oxidation.

As a classic ingredient, Dihydroeugenol has left its mark on many iconic fragrances, especially creations featuring prominent carnation notes. Notable examples include L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci and Bellodgia by Caron.