Syringol
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Syringol is a synthetic compound classified as a methoxyphenol derivative, used for its intensely smoky and phenolic aroma. With a molecular structure based on substituted guaiacol, it contributes powdery, balsamic, and woody-smokynotes in complex compositions. Known as a principal volatile in natural smoke, Syringol is commonly used as a top-to-heart note modifier, especially in leathery, tobacco, incense, and woody accords, as well as in smoky gourmand profiles. Though predominantly a flavoring compound, its olfactory impact and aromatic depth support its integration in niche fine fragrances.
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Syringol is a synthetic compound classified as a methoxyphenol derivative, used for its intensely smoky and phenolic aroma. With a molecular structure based on substituted guaiacol, it contributes powdery, balsamic, and woody-smokynotes in complex compositions. Known as a principal volatile in natural smoke, Syringol is commonly used as a top-to-heart note modifier, especially in leathery, tobacco, incense, and woody accords, as well as in smoky gourmand profiles. Though predominantly a flavoring compound, its olfactory impact and aromatic depth support its integration in niche fine fragrances.
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Syringol is a synthetic compound classified as a methoxyphenol derivative, used for its intensely smoky and phenolic aroma. With a molecular structure based on substituted guaiacol, it contributes powdery, balsamic, and woody-smokynotes in complex compositions. Known as a principal volatile in natural smoke, Syringol is commonly used as a top-to-heart note modifier, especially in leathery, tobacco, incense, and woody accords, as well as in smoky gourmand profiles. Though predominantly a flavoring compound, its olfactory impact and aromatic depth support its integration in niche fine fragrances.
Synthetic Ingredient Overview
🏭 Manufacturer: Commonly produced for flavor/aroma industry
🔎 IUPAC Name: 2,6-dimethoxyphenol
🧪 Synonyms: Syringol, 2,6-Dimethoxy-1-hydroxybenzene
🧬 Chemical Formula: C₈H₁₀O₃
📂 CAS N°: 97-10-1
📘 FEMA: 3137
⚖️ Molecular Weight: 154.16 g/mol
📝 Odor Type: Smoky
📈 Odor Strength: High
👃🏼 Odor Profile: Intense smoky, phenolic, woody, bacon-like with balsamic and powdery nuances
⚗️ Uses: Tobacco, leather, incense bases; smoky modifiers in savory-gourmand and whisky-inspired compositions
🧴 Appearance: Dark brown crystalline solid
What is Syringol?
Syringol is a dimethoxylated phenol, structurally related to guaiacol and eugenol, produced through pyrolytic degradation of lignin or synthesized from veratrole derivatives. Naturally found in wood smoke, it represents a signature volatile in smoke aroma profiles, making it a key reference compound in both flavoring systems and olfactory reconstructions.
Its ability to evoke realistic charred wood, burnt sugar, and smoked meat nuances makes it valuable in perfume bases mimicking firewood, oud burning, smoked tea, or leather goods.
Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications
👃🏼 Scent Breakdown:
Top: Harsh phenolic smoke
Heart: Woody-charred, bacon-like, balsamic
Base: Sweet-powdery, faintly resinous dryout
⚗️ Functional Roles:
Smoky booster for tobacco, charcoal, incense, and oud accords
Balsamic/phenolic depth in leather compositions
Specialty note in gourmand, whisky, or liquorice directions
Used sparingly for effects rather than volume in perfumery
🧪 Blending Compatibility:
Guaiacol, creosol, cade oil
Isobutyl quinoline, birch tar
Patchouli, labdanum, peru balsam
Whisky lactone, vanillin, coffee absolutes
Industrial & Technical Uses
Flavoring: Key compound in smoke flavorings for seafood, meat, spice blends, coffee, and savory bases
Beverage aroma: Used in whisky, rum, and tea aromatizations
Perfumery: Employed in leather, incense, and aromatic compositions for its charred-phenolic realism
Note: Syringol is often used in combination with other pyrolysis-derived compounds (e.g., creosol, methylguaiacol) to recreate authentic burnt or aged effects.
Regulatory & Safety Overview
IFRA: Not restricted in perfumery applications (check local usage guidelines)
EU Allergens: Not among the 26 declarable allergens
FEMA GRAS: FEMA 3137; approved for use in flavor applications
ECHA (REACH): Registered; not classified as hazardous in standard concentrations
Toxicology:
Low acute toxicity at perfumery concentrations
Potential sensitizer at high levels (monitor dose)
Readily biodegradable; not PBT or vPvB
✅ Safe in regulated perfumery and flavor use. Use with restraint due to high impact and persistence.
Sources
FEMA GRAS Database – Syringol (3137)
ECHA Substance Information – 97-10-1
Perfume and Flavor Chemicals – S. Arctander, 1969
Leffingwell Aroma Chemical Database
Internal Scentspiracy Evaluation Notes – Fulvio Ciccolo, 2023