Dihydro Eugenol

Synthetic Ingredient Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer: Firmenich

• 🔎 IUPAC Name: Phenol, 2-methoxy-4-propyl

• 🧪 Synonyms: Dihydro Eugenol, 2-Methoxy-4-propylphenol

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₀H₁₄O₂

• 📂 CAS N°: 2785-87-7

• 📘 FEMA: Not applicable

• ⚖️ Molecular Weight: 166 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type: Spicy

• 📈 Odor Strength: Medium to strong; persists >72 hours on paper

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Drier, greener and more transparent than Eugenol; bay leaf, pimento, herbal-spice

• ⚗️ Primary Uses: Fougères, orientals, chypres, floral-spice blends, functional formats

• 🧴 Appearance: Liquid (may crystallize at lower temperature)

What is Dihydro Eugenol?

Dihydro Eugenol is a methoxypropyl phenol structurally derived from Eugenol, modified to reduce its oxidative reactivity and address its tendency to cause discoloration and sensitization. Unlike Eugenol, it is not subject to current IFRA concentration limits, which broadens its applicability in fragrance formulations where technical or regulatory constraints are critical.

Its scent is cleaner and less sweet than Eugenol, with green, spicy, and slightly aromatic facets. Dihydro Eugenol is particularly effective in adding clarity and modernity to spice accords, while supporting floral structures with improved brightness and top-note lift.

Olfactory Profile and Perfumery Applications

The odor of Dihydro Eugenol is notably less sweet and clove-like than its parent molecule, with a more herbal and diffusive freshness. Its dry bay leaf–pimento character enhances aromatic complexity without overpowering surrounding notes.

It performs well in:

• Fougères and barbershop-style masculines: Boosts spicy and herbal freshness

• Orientals and chypres: Reinforces warm structures without adding weight

• Floral blends: Enhances carnation, ylang, and rose facets without muddying

• Functional applications: Ideal for soaps, detergents, and softeners due to lower discoloration potential

Its long-lasting presence (>72h on blotter) supports base harmony while maintaining olfactive cleanliness.

Physico-Chemical Properties

• Log P (measured): 2.39

• Flash Point: >100 °C

• Vapor Pressure: 0.15 Pa @ 20 °C

• Boiling Point: Not specified

• Appearance: Liquid; may crystallize

• Solubility: Water-insoluble

• Green Chemistry Score: 70–100%

• Renewable Carbon Content: 100%

• Biodegradability: 100% (readily biodegradable)

Regulatory and Safety Overview

• IFRA: Not restricted under current guidelines

• EU Allergens: Not listed among the 26 declarable fragrance allergens

• FEMA GRAS: Not registered for flavor applications

• ECHA (REACH): Not classified as hazardous; REACH registered

• Toxicology: Low sensitization risk; safe at typical usage levels

• Environmental Impact: Fully biodegradable; not persistent, not bioaccumulative

✅ Suitable for wide-spectrum use in fragrance design, including IFRA-restricted categories requiring eugenol-free spice notes.

Sources

• Firmenich Ingredient Specification – Dihydro Eugenol

• ECHA Substance Information – CAS 2785-87-7

• Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, S. Arctander (1969)

• Fulvio Ciccolo, Scentspiracy Research Notes (2022)

• Internal stability testing – Firmenich Performance Matrix

• Scentspiracy Fragrance Archives – Eugenol Alternatives, 2023