FlavScents AInsights Entry for 1,2,4-Trimethoxybenzene (CAS: 135-77-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 1,2,4-Trimethoxybenzene
- IUPAC Name: 1,2,4-Trimethoxybenzene
- CAS Number: 135-77-3
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
- Molecular Formula: C9H12O3
- Molecular Weight: 168.19 g/mol
1,2,4-Trimethoxybenzene is an aromatic compound characterized by three methoxy groups attached to a benzene ring. The presence of these methoxy groups contributes to its unique odor profile, which is often described as sweet and floral. The structure-odor relationship is influenced by the electron-donating nature of the methoxy groups, which can enhance the compound's volatility and diffusion.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
1,2,4-Trimethoxybenzene is known for its sweet, floral odor with a hint of spice. It is often used as a modifier in fragrance compositions to add a subtle floral note. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note rather than a primary impact note. The compound's diffusion is relatively good, allowing it to blend well with other fragrance components.
Taste and odor thresholds for 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene are not clearly reported in the literature. However, its sensory role is typically as a modifier, providing depth and complexity to both flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
1,2,4-Trimethoxybenzene is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for use in industrial applications. It does not have a significant presence in natural sources, which limits its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" component. The compound is typically produced through chemical synthesis involving the methylation of hydroquinone derivatives.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
1,2,4-Trimethoxybenzene is used in flavor formulations to impart a subtle floral and sweet note. It is particularly useful in categories such as confectionery, beverages, and baked goods. The compound acts as a background realism enhancer, providing a nuanced complexity to flavor systems.
Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not well-documented. However, industry-typical estimates suggest low ppm levels, often below 10 ppm, to achieve the desired sensory effect without overpowering the primary flavor profile. The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene is valued for its ability to add a floral and slightly spicy note. It is used across various fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and woody compositions. The compound serves as a modifier, enhancing the overall complexity and depth of the fragrance.
Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are not explicitly documented, but it is generally used in trace amounts to avoid overwhelming the primary scent profile. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: 1,2,4-Trimethoxybenzene is not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use. Its use in fragrances is not restricted by IFRA.
- European Union: Not specifically regulated under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use. No FL number assigned.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no specific divergence reported.
- Asia: Regulatory status in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries is not clearly documented.
- Latin America: No specific regulations identified for Brazil or MERCOSUR countries.
Overall, the regulatory landscape for 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene is characterized by a lack of explicit approvals, with its use often based on harmonized assumptions and industry practices.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data on acceptable daily intake (ADI) or margin of safety for flavor use is not available. Formulators should ensure low ppm levels to minimize exposure.
- Dermal Exposure: No specific data on irritation or sensitization. IFRA does not list restrictions, suggesting low risk in typical fragrance use.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but occupational safety data is limited. Standard ventilation practices are recommended in manufacturing settings.
The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are generally low, provided that usage levels remain within typical industry practices.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
1,2,4-Trimethoxybenzene is valued for its ability to enhance the floral and sweet notes in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other floral and spicy components, adding depth and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its distinct odor can become overpowering if not balanced properly. It is often under-used in formulations that could benefit from its subtle complexity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, there are notable gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data. Industry practices often guide its use, with formulators relying on typical usage levels and sensory evaluations.
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 2026-02-14 13:18:32 GMT (p2)