clove bud absolute

Clove bud absolute is a natural aromatic extract obtained from the flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, commonly known as clove. This absolute typically appears as a dark, highly viscous liquid with a rich, spicy, and warm odor characterized by woody, sweet, aromatic, fruity, floral, and phenolic nuances. Known under several synonyms including Eugenia caryophyllata bud absolute and Caryophyllus aromaticus bud absolute, it is widely used in flavor and fragrance industries for its characteristic scent. The extraction process usually involves solvent or CO2 extraction methods applied to dried or fresh buds. More detailed chemical information about this material is available through controlled-vocabulary links such as PubChem. The absolute is harvested primarily from cultivated clove trees, which thrive in tropical regions.

Clove bud absolute is naturally sourced from the flower buds of the clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum, a tropical evergreen native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia but now grown worldwide in suitable climates. It is primarily used as a flavor and fragrance agent. In fragrance formulations, it imparts a spicy, warm, and woody aromatic profile that complements floral, balsamic, and vanilla notes. Flavor applications include enhancing cola and meat products, providing a distinctive spicy and eugenol-rich character. This material is subject to safety and use standards, including IFRA (Global), which regulates maximum concentration levels in fragrance concentrates and finished products to ensure safe consumer use.

Clove bud absolute displays solubility in alcohol and limited solubility in water, with an estimated 754 mg/L solubility at 25 °C, reflecting its partial hydrophilic character. However, it is generally considered insoluble in pure water. The viscous, oily nature and the presence of phenolic compounds such as eugenol contribute to its warm and spicy aroma profile and influence its compatibility in formulation matrices. These physico-chemical properties make clove bud absolute suitable for diverse applications in both aqueous alcoholic blends and oil-based systems. The compound's stability and extraction method also impact its sensory quality and usability in flavor and fragrance compositions.

	syzygium aromaticum l. bud absolute
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	8000-34-8
Pubchem (sid):	135301067

FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):	View
Export Tariff Code:	3301.29.5045
FDA Listing of Food Additive Status:	View
Wikipedia:	View

Safety information

Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
oral-rat LD50 1370 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 16, Pg. 695, 1978. oral-rat LD50 2020 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 13, Pg. 765, 1975. oral-rat LD50 2650 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 13, Pg. 761, 1975.
Dermal Toxicity:
skin-rabbit LD50 1200 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 16, Pg. 695, 1978. skin-rabbit LD50 5000 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 13, Pg. 761, 1975. skin-rabbit LD50 > 5000 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 13, Pg. 765, 1975.
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavor and fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
contains the following IFRA (Annex) restricted components: (non-analysis max. level reference only)
methyl eugenol	Max. Found: traces % and Reason: Potential carcinogenic activity in animals
Recommendation for clove bud absolute usage levels up to:
	3.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Recommendation for clove bud absolute flavor usage levels up to:
	30.0000 ppm in the finished product.

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA GENetic TOXicology:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):8000-34-8

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

syzygium aromaticum l. bud absolute

Chemidplus:0008000348