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Methyl Eugenol

Q: Is Methyl Eugenol natural or synthetic?

. Extraction: Found naturally in many essential oils. Also produced synthetically..

SPICES / spicy · clove · warm

Methyl Eugenol

Category	SPICES
Subcategory	spicy · clove · warm
Origin
Volatility	Heart Note
Botanical	Ocimum basilicum (basil), Laurus nobilis (bay leaf), Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) — also produced synthetically
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid
Odor Strength	medium ,recommend smelling in a 1.00 % solution or less
Producing Countries	India, Indonesia, Madagascar
Pyramid	Heart

Warm, spicy-sweet, clove-like. Methyl eugenol (CAS 93-15-2) is the methyl ether of eugenol: smoother, less pungent, and more balsamic.

Scent
The Full Story
Fun Fact
Extraction & Chemistry
In Perfumery

Scent

Warm, smooth, clove-balsamic. Less sharp than eugenol, less dental-office. Like eugenol wearing a tuxedo: same family, better manners.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Warm smooth-spice, balsamic

After a few hours

Clove warmth without dental sharpness

After a few days

Persistent warm-spice, smooth

The Full Story

Methyl eugenol (CAS 93-15-2) occurs naturally in basil, allspice, tarragon, bay laurel, and rose. Smoother and less pungent than eugenol, warmer and more balsamic.

Classified as potential carcinogen in high-dose studies, leading to IFRA restrictions. Regulatory pressure has reduced direct use.

Contributes to rose's warm-spicy quality.

Explore all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

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Related: Allspice · Anethole · Anise · Asafoetida · Baking Spices · Bay Leaf · Biryani · Caraway

Did You Know?

Did you know?

Methyl eugenol is an extremely effective insect attractant used in traps for fruit flies (Bactrocera species). The same warm-spicy molecule that humans find pleasant is an intoxicant for certain insects.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Found naturally in many essential oils. Also produced synthetically.

Molecular Formula	C₁₁H₁₄O₂
CAS Number	93-15-2
Botanical Name	Ocimum basilicum (basil), Laurus nobilis (bay leaf), Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) — also produced synthetically
IFRA Status	Restricted: IFRA 49th Amendment — prohibited above 0.0004% in leave-on, 0.002% in rinse-off. EU CMR substance.
Synonyms	EUGENYL METHYL ETHER · METHYL EUGENOL
Physical Properties
Odor Strength	medium ,recommend smelling in a 1.00 % solution or less
Lasting Power	60 hour(s) at 100.00 %
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid
Boiling Point	254.00 to 255.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Flash Point	230.00 °F. TCC ( 110.00 °C. )
Specific Gravity	1.03200 to 1.03600 @ 25.00 °C.
Refractive Index	1.53200 to 1.53600 @ 20.00 °C.
Melting Point	-4.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

In Perfumery

Heart-to-base warm spice. CAS 93-15-2. Smoother than eugenol. Found in basil, allspice, tarragon, rose. IFRA restricted. Contributes to rose's warm quality.