Eugenol

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Eugenol
Image:Eugenol.PNG
General
Systematic name	Eugenol
Other names	2-Methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol Allylguaiacol 4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol Eugenic acid Caryophyllic acid 1-Allyl-3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzene 5-Allylguaiacol 2-Methoxy-4-allylphenol 4-Allylguaiacol Allylguaiacol 4-allylcatechol-2-methyl ether 4-allyl-1-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene 1-hydroxy-2-methoxy- 4-prop-2-enylbenzene 1,3,4-eugenol Caryophyllic acid 1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyallylbenzene 2-methoxy -1-hydroxy-4-allylbenzene 1-allyl-4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzene 1-hydroxy-4-allyl-2-methoxybenzene 1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-propenylbenzene 2-methoxy-4-(2-propen-1-yl)phenol
Molar mass	164.20 g/mol
Melting point	-9 °C
Boiling point	256 °C
Density	1.06 g/cm³
Flash point	104 °C
CAS Number	97-53-0
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25°C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Eugenol (C₁₀H₁₂O₂), is an allyl chain-substituted guaiacol, i.e. 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol. Eugenol is a member of the allylbenzene class of chemical compounds. It is a clear to pale yellow oily liquid extracted from certain essential oils especially from clove oil, nutmeg and cinnamon. It's slightly soluble in water and soluble in organic solvents. It has a pleasant, spicy, clove-like odor.

[edit] Modern uses

Eugenol is used in perfumeries, flavorings, essential oils and in medicine as a local antiseptic and anaesthetic. It was used in the production of isoeugenol for the manufacture of vanillin, though most vanillin is now produced from petrochemicals or from by-products of paper manufacture. When mixed with zinc oxide, eugenol forms a cement used in dentistry.

Eugenol derivatives or methoxyphenol derivatives in wider classification are used in perfumery and flavoring. They are used in formulating insect attractants and UV absorbers, analgesics, biocides and antiseptics. They are also used in manufacturing stabilizers and antioxidants for plastics and rubbers. Clove oil is growing in popularity as an anaesthetic for use on aquarium fish.

Eugenol is also used clandestinely for the synthesis of phenethylamines (like MDMA).

Also, the main biologically active compounds in clove cigarettes are eugenol and nicotine.

[edit] Toxicity

Overdose is possible, causing a wide range of symptoms from blood in the patient's urine, to convulsions, diarrhea, nausea, unconsciousness, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat.