Eugenol Aroma Chemical
CAS# 97-53-0

Eugenol is a natural and nature-identical material with an important historical role in the fragrance industry. In nature, it is obtained primarily from clove bud oil, cinnamon leaf oil, basil oil, and bay leaf oil. First isolated in the 19th century, Eugenol holds a notable place in history as one of the key starting materials once used to synthesize artificial vanillin before petrochemical technology became established. Physically, it is a clear to pale yellow liquid that tends to darken upon exposure to air, and it is characterized by a spicy profile with woody and floral facets.

Description

The scent of Eugenol radiates the warm, sweet, and rich spiciness of clove. Functioning from the heart note to the base note, and serving as both an effective blender and modifier, this material has very strong odor impact, excellent diffusion, and lasting power of around 100 to 200 hours on a blotter. In fragrance formulas, it helps build carnation notes, supports oriental and rose accords, and adds warmth and depth to the overall composition. Perfumers often combine it with Isoeugenol, Benzyl Salicylate, and Ylang Ylang to create the classic carnation accord, or pair it with Citronellol, vanilla, and patchouli. Because of its very powerful odor, it is often diluted in DPG for easier control.

Applications

In terms of applications, this material is widely used in perfumes, scented candles, leave-on cosmetics, rinse-off products, soaps, as well as in dentistry and food flavoring. However, Eugenol is strictly regulated by IFRA with respect to maximum use levels due to its skin sensitization potential, and recommended usage is often limited to below about 0.5% to 2.5% depending on the product category. Users should note in particular that it is a mandatory allergen for labeling in Europe and can easily discolor soap to brown or dark yellow in alkaline conditions. Proper storage requires keeping the container tightly closed, in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Many great oriental and carnation fragrances, such as L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci and Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, bear the strong signature of this material. Finally, the value of Eugenol was firmly recognized in Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, where expert Steffen Arctander described it as having a warm, sweet spicy odor with a strong woody undertone. He emphasized that it is an indispensable material in carnation and oriental accords, while also warning about its tendency to discolor when exposed to alkali or iron.