MOLECULE

2-Methoxy-4-propylphenol

2-Methoxy-4-propylphenol, also known as dihydroeugenol, 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol or 4-propylguaiacol, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as methoxyphenols. Methoxyphenols are compounds containing a methoxy group attached to the benzene ring of a phenol moiety. 2-Methoxy-4-propylphenol is one of several structural isomers of propylmethoxyphenol wherein the propyl and methoxy groups are substituted at different positions of phenol. 2-Methoxy-4-propylphenol exists as a clear, colorless liquid that is water soluble. It has a spicey, sharp, sweet, allspice odor and a spicy peppery or clove like taste. 2-Methoxy-4-propylphenol is found naturally in a number of foods including beer, brandy, gruyere cheese, fish, pork, rum, sherry, tea and whiskey. It is also found in Bordeaux windes liquid smoke, karanda fruit and oregano. 2-Methoxy-4-propylphenol is widely used as a food additive and a perfuming agent in cosmetics and household products. It is used to enhance the profile of smoke flavors, clove, spicy nuances for cinnamon and pepper, vanilla, and fruit nuances. Traces (0.5-1%) can be found in many consumer products such as candles, detergent, shampoo, softeners and soap. 2-Methoxy-4-propylphenol is also used as a pheromone for the Northern corn rootworm. It has also been shown to have anti-oxidant effects and inhibits lipid peroxidation and scanvenges superoxide and hydroxyl radicals (PMID: 11045452). Propylmethoxyphenols are found in marijuana (cannabis) smoke. 2-Methoxy-4-propylphenol is formed during the combustion of cannabis and is therefore a constituent of cannabis smoke (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-947-9_2).