FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol (CAS: 91-10-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol
• IUPAC Name: 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol
• CAS Number: 91-10-1
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C8H10O3
• Molecular Weight: 154.17 g/mol

2,6-Dimethoxyphenol is a phenolic compound characterized by two methoxy groups attached to a benzene ring. The presence of these methoxy groups influences its odor profile, contributing to its aromatic properties. The compound's structure is significant in determining its sensory attributes, particularly its role in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2,6-Dimethoxyphenol is known for its distinctive odor profile, which can be described as sweet, smoky, and slightly phenolic. It is often used to impart a warm, woody character to formulations. The intensity of its aroma is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in complex scent compositions. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory impact is notable in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2,6-Dimethoxyphenol is naturally found in certain types of wood smoke and can be a product of lignin pyrolysis. It is also present in some essential oils and plant extracts, contributing to their characteristic aromas. The compound can form through the thermal degradation of lignin, a common process in the production of smoked foods and flavors. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" component.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

2,6-Dimethoxyphenol is utilized in various flavor categories, including smoked, roasted, and woody profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing depth and complexity. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. The compound is relatively stable under heat and acidic conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of culinary applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol is valued for its ability to enhance woody and smoky notes. It is commonly used in fragrance families such as oriental, woody, and fougère. The compound acts as a modifier or impact note, with typical concentration ranges from trace amounts to 0.5% in finished products. Its volatility allows it to contribute to both the middle and base notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage in flavors may be subject to general safety evaluations.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; may be used under general flavoring principles.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; usage likely follows general safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Latin America: Specific regulatory information not found; assumed to follow general safety standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, specific ADI or MSDI values for 2,6-dimethoxyphenol are not clearly reported. However, its use in flavors is generally considered safe at low concentrations typical in food applications. Dermal exposure in fragrance use has not shown significant irritation or sensitization concerns, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, with occupational exposure considered low risk.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2,6-Dimethoxyphenol is valued for its ability to impart a warm, smoky character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other phenolic and woody compounds, enhancing complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as overuse can lead to an overpowering phenolic note. It is often underutilized in formulations seeking a subtle smoky background.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2,6-dimethoxyphenol is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and functional applications. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety evaluations. Known data gaps include precise regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological thresholds.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-05-19 20:24:15 GMT (p2)