FlavScents AInsights Entry for para-Dimethyl Hydroquinone (CAS: 150-78-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): para-Dimethyl hydroquinone
• IUPAC Name: 2,5-Dimethylbenzene-1,4-diol
• CAS Number: 150-78-7
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C8H10O2
• Molecular Weight: 138.17 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: para-Dimethyl hydroquinone is characterized by its phenolic structure, which contributes to its antioxidant properties. The presence of methyl groups influences its reactivity and potential odor characteristics, although it is not primarily used for its scent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: para-Dimethyl hydroquinone is not typically used for its odor or flavor properties. It may have a faint phenolic odor, but this is not its primary application.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found.
• Typical Sensory Role: This compound is not commonly used as a direct sensory agent in flavors or fragrances. Its role is more aligned with functional applications such as stabilization.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: para-Dimethyl hydroquinone is not commonly found in nature. It is primarily synthesized for industrial use.
• Formation Pathways: It can be synthesized through chemical processes involving the methylation of hydroquinone.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin, para-dimethyl hydroquinone does not qualify for natural flavor or fragrance designation.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: para-Dimethyl hydroquinone is not typically used in flavor formulations due to its lack of desirable flavor characteristics.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It may be used as an antioxidant to stabilize flavor compounds.
• Typical Use Levels: Data not found. Usage would be minimal and primarily functional.
• Stability Considerations: para-Dimethyl hydroquinone is stable under typical storage conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or oxidative conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Not commonly used in fragrance formulations.
• Functional Role: If used, it would be for stabilization rather than scent.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Data not found.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Not applicable due to its limited use in fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not listed as GRAS for flavor use.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not listed for flavor use.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Specific regulatory status not found; typically follows international guidelines.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Specific regulatory status not found; typically follows international guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Limited data on oral toxicity; not typically used in consumable products.
• Dermal Exposure: May cause irritation; not commonly used in topical applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure should be minimized.
• Risk Profiles: Generally considered low risk due to limited use in consumer products.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Primarily valued for its antioxidant properties in stabilizing formulations.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with other antioxidants to enhance stability.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to unwanted color changes or interactions.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-utilized due to lack of awareness of its stabilizing benefits.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Known for its antioxidant properties.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Usage as a stabilizer in non-consumable products.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Limited sensory and regulatory data due to its primary use in industrial applications.

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 where applicable
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• Section 5a not applicable as this is not a complex natural material

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 2026-11-05 18:02:20 GMT (p2)