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para-methyl anisole

para-methyl anisole is an aromatic ether with formula C8H10O, used predominantly as a flavor and fragrance agent noted for its naphthyl and phenolic odor characteristics.
Chemical Structure

General Material Description

para-methyl anisole, also known by several synonyms including 4-methylanisole and p-cresyl methyl ether, is an aromatic ether characterized by the molecular formula C8H10O. This compound appears as a clear liquid with a distinctive naphthyl and phenolic odor profile, exhibiting notes described as powdery, nutty, and camphoraceous. It is linked to an accessible chemical reference on PubChem, facilitating detailed investigation of its structure and properties. Sourced naturally in small quantities in certain essential oils and flavor components, para-methyl anisole is also produced synthetically for use in flavorings and fragrances. The compound is notable for its presence in botanical extracts such as cananga and ylang ylang oils, where it contributes to their complex aromatic signatures. Due to its aromatic ether structure, it provides unique sensory attributes suitable for various industrial applications.

Occurrence, Applicability & Potential Uses

para-methyl anisole naturally occurs in several botanical and food sources including cananga odorata oils, ylang ylang extracts, champaca concrete, lavender oil, and various cheeses such as gorgonzola. It contributes to the characteristic odor and flavor profiles of these materials at trace to low percentage levels. Functionally, it is employed as a flavor and fragrance agent, offering a complex aroma described as naphthyl, phenolic, and woody with nutty undernotes. Its utility extends to enhancing floral and fruit notes including jasmine, lilac, rose, and black currant, as well as contributing nutty flavors such as walnut. This versatility supports its inclusion in perfuming agents guided by IFRA (Global) standards and flavor applications regulated by FEMA (US). Usage levels are controlled to balance sensory impact with safety and compliance.

Physico-Chemical Properties Summary

para-methyl anisole is a clear, flammable aromatic ether with a molecular weight of approximately 122.17 g/mol and formula C8H10O. Its physical properties include a specific gravity near unity (0.996 - 1.004 at 25 °C) and a refractive index ranging from 1.51 to 1.513 at 20 °C. The vapor pressure of about 2.03 mmHg at 25 °C indicates moderate volatility. The compound dissolves well in alcohol, dipropylene glycol, and fixed oils but has limited water solubility estimated at 527.1 mg/L at 25 °C. It exhibits good chemical stability, showing minimal discoloration in typical media. The flash point measured at 53 °C (128 °F) requires careful handling under heat sources. Storage guidelines recommend a cool, dry environment away from light and ignition to preserve integrity and shelf life, which is about 24 months or longer if properly maintained. These properties influence its formulation and application considerations in flavor and fragrance products.

FAQ

What is para-methyl anisole and what are its primary applications?
Para-methyl anisole is an aromatic ether compound known chemically as 4-methylanisole with the molecular formula C8H10O. It is primarily used as a flavor and fragrance agent due to its distinctive naphthyl, phenolic, and woody aroma that includes nutty and powdery notes. This compound enhances floral and fruity fragrances and lends nutty flavors such as walnut in various formulations. Its applications span perfumery and food flavoring industries where precise sensory effects are desired.
Where does para-methyl anisole naturally occur, and how is it typically used in products?
Para-methyl anisole naturally occurs in several essential oils including cananga odorata, ylang ylang, and champaca concrete, as well as in certain cheeses like gorgonzola and some vegetables like tomato. It contributes subtly to the complex scents and flavors of these natural materials. In industrial products, it is utilized as a perfuming agent to impart floral, woody, and nutty aromatic characteristics, often conforming to IFRA (Global) use standards. It also finds use as a flavoring additive in food and beverages, adhering to FEMA (US) guidelines for allowable concentrations.
What safety regulations and storage precautions apply to para-methyl anisole?
Para-methyl anisole is classified under OSHA as a flammable liquid and is harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin, causing irritation and suspected reproductive toxicity. Safety guidance includes keeping it away from ignition sources, using protective clothing and gloves, and storing in cool, well-ventilated areas tightly sealed to prevent exposure to heat and light. Regulatory bodies such as FEMA (US) and IFRA (Global) limit its concentration in flavor and fragrance products to ensure safe use, generally allowing usage up to 2% in fragrance formulations. It is recommended to consult comprehensive Safety Data Sheets and relevant regulatory documentation for specific handling and disposal procedures.

US / EU / FDA / JECFA / FEMA / Scholar / Patents

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Perfumer & Flavorists Start search
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Literature & References

1-methoxy-4-methylbenzene
NIST Chemistry WebBook:Search Inchi
Canada Domestic Sub. List:104-93-8
Pubchem (cid):7731
Pubchem (sid):134970835
Pherobase:View
Publications by PubMed
Noncovalent functionalization of graphene with a Ni(II) tetraaza[14]annulene complex.
High resolution electronic spectroscopy of 4-methylanisole in the gas phase. Barrier height determinations for the methyl group torsional motion.
Private channels in plant-pollinator mutualisms.
Functionalization of the methylene bridges of the calix[6]arene scaffold.
A concise synthesis of (+/-)-cacalol.
Vibrations and theoretical calculations of p-methylanisole in the first electronically excited S1 and ionic ground D0 states.
Orientational isomerism and binding ability of nonsymmetrical guests encapsulated in a self-assembling heterodimeric capsule.
Total synthesis of (+/-)-herbertenolide by stereospecific formation of vicinal quaternary centers in a crystalline ketone.
Individual solvent/solute interactions through social isomerism.
Total synthesis of nucleobase-modified adenophostin A mimics.
An assessment of the reaction energetics for cytochrome P450-mediated reactions.
Odour-impact compounds of Gorgonzola cheese.
Solubilization Site of Organic Perfume Molecules in Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Micelles: New Insights from Proton NMR Studies.
Inhibitory and noninhibitory monoclonal antibodies to human cytochrome P450 2E1.
Studies on the mechanism of hepatotoxicity of 4-methylphenol (p-cresol): effects of deuterium labeling and ring substitution.
Chloroperoxidase-catalyzed benzylic hydroxylation.
Four-week toxicity study of 4-methoxytoluene in rats.
Occurrence of aromatic methyl migration (NIH-shift) during oxidation of p-methylanisole by hemin-thiolester complex as a cytochrome P-450 model.

Other Information

(IUPAC):Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):Periodic Table of the Elements
FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):View
CHEMBL:View
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):HMDB32076
FooDB:FDB008791
Export Tariff Code:2909.30.6000
Typical G.C.
VCF-Online:VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:View
Wikipedia:View
Formulations/Preparations:
grades: fcc; technical.

General Material Information

Preferred name para-methyl anisole
Trivial Name 4-Methylanisole
Short Description p-methylanisole
Formula C8 H10 O
CAS Number 104-93-8
Deleted CAS Number 1071687-44-9
FEMA Number 2681
ECHA Number 203-253-7
FDA UNII 10FAI0OR9W
Nikkaji Number J10.114A
Beilstein Number 1237336
MDL MFCD00008413
COE Number 188
Bio Activity Summary External link
NMR Predictor External link
JECFA Food Flavoring 1243 p-methylanisole
FDA Patent No longer provide for the use of these seven synthetic flavoring substances
FDA Mainterm 104-93-8 ; P-METHYLANISOLE
Synonyms
  • anisole, p-methyl-
  • benzene, 1-methoxy-4-methyl-
  • p- cresol methyl ether
  • para- cresol methyl ether
  • p- cresyl methyl ether
  • para- cresyl methyl ether
  • p- cresyl methyl ether ( p – cresol )
  • p- cresyl methyl ether FCC
  • cresyl methyl ether para
  • cresyl methyl ether para FCC
  • 1-methoxy-4-methyl benzene
  • 1-methoxy-4-methyl-benzene
  • 1-methoxy-4-methylbenzene
  • 4-methoxytoluene
  • p- methoxytoluene
  • para- methoxytoluene
  • methyl 4-methyl phenyl ether
  • methyl 4-methylphenyl ether
  • 4-methyl anisole
  • p- methyl anisole
  • para- methyl anisole
  • para- methyl cresol
  • methyl p-cresol
  • o- methyl p-cresol
  • methyl p-cresyl ether
  • methyl p-methylphenyl ether
  • methyl p-tolyl ether
  • methyl para cresol
  • ortho- methyl para-cresol
  • methyl para-cresyl ether
  • methyl para-methyl phenyl ether
  • methyl para-tolyl ether
  • 4-methyl phenol methyl ether
  • 4-methyl-1-methoxybenzene
  • 1-methyl-4-methoxybenzene
  • methyl-para-cresol
  • 4-methylanisole
  • p- methylanisole
  • para- methylanisole
  • 4-methylcresol
  • p- methylcresol
  • 4-methylphenol methyl ether
  • toluene, 4-methoxy-
  • p- tolyl methyl ether
  • para- tolyl methyl ether
  • 1-methoxy-4-methylbenzene
  • p-Cresol methyl ether
  • p-Cresyl methyl ether
  • p-Methoxytoluene
  • 4-Methoxytoluene
  • p-Methylanisole
  • O-Methyl-p-cresol
  • p-Tolyl methyl ether
  • 4-Methylanisole
  • 1-Methyl-4-methoxybenzene
  • 4-Methyl-1-methoxybenzene
  • 4-Cresol methyl ether
  • NSC 6254
  • 4-Methoxy-1-methylbenzene

PhysChem Properties

Material listed in food chemical codex Yes
Molecular weight 122.16690063477
Specific gravity @ 25 °C
Pounds per Gallon 8.288 to 8.354
Refractive Index 1.51 to 1.513 @ 20 °C
Vapor Pressure 2.029 mmHg @ 25 °C
Flash Point TCC Value 53.33 °C TCC
logP (o/w) 2.66
Shelf life 24 months (or longer if stored properly.)
Storage notes Store in cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers, protected from heat and light.
Solubility
alcohol Yes
dipropylene glycol Yes
fixed oils Yes
water, 527.1 mg/L @ 25 °C (est) Yes
glycerin No
propylene glycol No
water No
Stability
non-discoloring in most media Unspecified

Organoleptic Properties

Odor Type: Naphthyl
naphthyl, narcissus, ylang, powdery, nutty, phenolic, camphoreous, minty
Odor strength high , recommend smelling in a 1.00 % solution or less
Substantivity 8 hour(s) at 100.00 %
Luebke, William tgsc, (1996) At 1.00 % in dipropylene glycol. naphthyl cresol ylang powdery nutty
Mosciano, Gerard P&F 15, No. 3, 51, (1990) Naphthyl, phenolic, camphoraceous, minty, powdery and nutty
Flavor Type: Naphthyl
naphthyl, phenolic, camphoreous, cooling, woody
Mosciano, Gerard P&F 15, No. 3, 51, (1990) At 20.00 ppm. Naphthyl, phenolic, camphoraceous, cooling and woody
Useful in: fruity red, sweet others. Vanilla-, chocolate-, nut-like, slightly phenolic
General comment Naphthyl phenolic camphor cooling woody

Occurrences

Potential Uses

Applications
Odor purposes Champaca , Cherry blossom , Currant black currant , Floral , Genet , Grape , Hay new mown hay , Hyacinth , Jasmin , Jonquil , Lilac , Lily , Mulberry , Narcissus , Rose , Sandalwood , Tuberose , Wallflower , Wisteria , Ylang ylang
Flavoring purposes Nut , Walnut
Other purposes Tide
Cosmetic purposes Perfuming agents

Safety Information

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xn - Harmful.
R 10 - Flammable.
R 22 - Harmful if swallowed.
R 38 - Irritating to skin.
S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children.
S 16 - Keep away from sources of ignition - No Smoking.
S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
S 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
S 37/39 - Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection.
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
Flammable liquids (Category 3), H226
Acute toxicity, Oral (Category 4), H302
Skin irritation (Category 2), H315
Reproductive toxicity (Category 2), H361
Acute aquatic toxicity (Category 3), H402
Chronic aquatic toxicity (Category 3), H412
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogramflame.jpgexclamation-mark.jpghealth-hazard.jpg
Signal word Warning
Hazard statement(s)
H226 - Flammable liquid and vapour
H302 - Harmful if swallowed
H315 - Causes skin irritation
H361 - Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
H402 - Harmful to aquatic life
H412 - Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Precautionary statement(s)
P201 - Obtain special instructions before use.
P202 - Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
P210 - Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking.
P233 - Keep container tightly closed.
P240 - Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 - Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/…/equipment.
P242 - Use only non-sparking tools.
P243 - Take precautionary measures against static discharge.
P264 - Wash skin thouroughly after handling.
P270 - Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P273 - Avoid release to the environment.
P280 - Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P301 + P312 - IF SWALLOWED: call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician IF you feel unwell.
P303 + P361 + P353 - IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse SKIN with water/shower.
P308 + P313 - IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
P330 - Rinse mouth.
P332 + P313 - IF SKIN irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P362 - Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
P370 + P378 - In case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction.
P403 + P235 - Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
P405 - Store locked up.
P501 - Dispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plant.
Human Experience:
2 % solution: no irritation or sensitization.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
oral-rat LD50 [sex: M,F] 1920 mg/kg
(Wong & Hart, 1971)

intraperitoneal-mouse LD > 500 mg/kg
"Summary Tables of Biological Tests," National Research Council Chemical-Biological Coordination Center. Vol. 6, Pg. 214, 1954.

oral-rat LD50 1920 mg/kg
Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 12, Pg. 393, 1974.

Dermal Toxicity:
skin-rabbit LD50 > 5000 mg/kg
Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 12, Pg. 393, 1974.

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
Recommendation for para-methyl anisole usage levels up to:
2.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-EU): 0.49 (μg/capita/day)
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-USA): 15.00 (μg/capita/day)
Structure Class: I
Use levels for FEMA GRAS flavoring substances on which the FEMA Expert Panel based its judgments that the substances are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The Expert Panel also publishes separate extensive reviews of scientific information on all FEMA GRAS flavoring substances and can be found at FEMA Flavor Ingredient Library
publication number: 3
Click here to view publication 3
average usual ppmaverage maximum ppm
baked goods: -7.60000
beverages(nonalcoholic): -2.70000
beverages(alcoholic): --
breakfast cereal: --
cheese: --
chewing gum: --
condiments / relishes: -2.00000
confectionery froastings: --
egg products: --
fats / oils: --
fish products: --
frozen dairy: -2.70000
fruit ices: -2.70000
gelatins / puddings: 0.500004.00000
granulated sugar: --
gravies: --
hard candy: -4.80000
imitation dairy: --
instant coffee / tea: --
jams / jellies: --
meat products: --
milk products: --
nut products: --
other grains: --
poultry: --
processed fruits: --
processed vegetables: --
reconstituted vegetables: --
seasonings / flavors: --
snack foods: --
soft candy: --
soups: --
sugar substitutes: --
sweet sauces: --

Safety references

European Food Safety Athority(EFSA):Flavor usage levels; Subacute, Subchronic, Chronic and Carcinogenicity Studies; Developmental / Reproductive Toxicity Studies; Genotoxicity Studies...

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reference(s):

Opinion of the Scientific Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC) related to Flavouring Group Evaluation 23 (FGE.23): Aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives From chemical groups 15, 16 and 26 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000 of 18 July 2000
View page or View pdf

Flavouring Group Evaluation 59 (FGE.59): Consideration of aliphatic and aromatic ethers evaluated by JECFA (61st meeting) structurally related to aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives evaluated by EFSA in FGE.23 (2006) (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000 of 18 July 2000) - Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in contact with Food (AFC)
View page or View pdf

Flavouring Group Evaluation 23, Revision 1 (FGE.23Rev1): Aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives from chemical groups 15, 16, 26 and 30[1] - Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food
View page or View pdf

Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 59, Revision 1 (FGE.59Rev1): Consideration of aliphatic and aromatic ethers evaluated by JECFA (61st meeting and 63rd meeting) structurally related to aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives evaluated by EFSA in FGE.23 Rev2 (2010)
View page or View pdf

Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives (chemical group 26) when used as feed additives for all animal species
View page or View pdf

EPI System: View
AIDS Citations:Search
Cancer Citations:Search
Toxicology Citations:Search
EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):104-93-8
EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data
EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry
Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :7731
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data
WISER:UN 1993
WGK Germany:1
1-methoxy-4-methylbenzene
Chemidplus:0000104938
RTECS:BZ8780000 for cas# 104-93-8