FlavScents AInsights Entry: Ortho-Cresol (CAS: 95-48-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ortho-cresol, o-cresol
• IUPAC Name: 2-methylphenol
• CAS Number: 95-48-7
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number 02.013, CoE number 206
• Molecular Formula: C7H8O
• Molecular Weight: 108.14 g/mol

Ortho-cresol is a monomethyl phenol, characterized by a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a benzene ring, with a methyl group (CH3) in the ortho position. This structural arrangement contributes to its distinct phenolic odor, which is often described as medicinal or tar-like. The presence of the hydroxyl group is crucial for its solubility in water and its reactivity in various chemical processes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ortho-cresol is known for its strong, phenolic odor, reminiscent of tar, smoke, and medicinal notes. It is often perceived as intense and diffusive, making it a potent impact note in formulations. The odor threshold for ortho-cresol is relatively low, allowing it to be detected at minimal concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as a character-impact compound, providing authenticity and depth to smoky or phenolic profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ortho-cresol naturally occurs in coal tar and can be found in some essential oils, such as thyme oil. It is also a product of the thermal degradation of lignin, a major component of wood, which explains its presence in smoke and charred materials. In the context of "natural flavor" designation, ortho-cresol can be considered natural if derived from these sources, although synthetic production is common for industrial use.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ortho-cresol is used in flavor formulations to impart smoky, phenolic notes, often in savory applications such as barbecue sauces, smoked meats, and certain alcoholic beverages. Its functional role is primarily as an impact note, providing authenticity to smoke flavors. Typical use levels in food range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the matrix of the product. It is relatively stable under heat but can oxidize, affecting its sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, ortho-cresol is utilized in leather, tobacco, and woody accords, contributing a smoky, phenolic character. It serves as a trace realism note or modifier, enhancing the authenticity of complex blends. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations are low, often below 0.1%, due to its potent odor. Ortho-cresol is considered a middle note, providing depth and persistence to the fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Ortho-cresol is not FEMA GRAS for flavor use but is regulated under the FDA for other applications.
• European Union: Listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 02.013, allowing its use in food flavorings.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: In Japan and China, ortho-cresol is subject to specific regulatory approvals for use in flavors and fragrances.
• Latin America: Regulations vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries generally aligning with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ortho-cresol poses potential safety concerns primarily through dermal and inhalation exposure. It can cause skin irritation and sensitization, necessitating caution in fragrance applications. Inhalation exposure, particularly in occupational settings, requires adequate ventilation and protective measures due to its volatility. Oral exposure is less common in flavor use, with no established ADI or MSDI. The risk profile differs between food and fragrance applications, with dermal exposure being more critical in the latter.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ortho-cresol is valued for its ability to impart authentic smoky notes, making it indispensable in certain flavor and fragrance applications. It synergizes well with other phenolic compounds and smoky notes but can easily overpower a formulation if not used judiciously. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an undesirable medicinal character, and instability in oxidative environments. Formulators should consider its potent nature and potential for skin irritation when designing products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ortho-cresol is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory characteristics and regulatory status. However, industry practices often rely on undocumented experiential knowledge, especially concerning optimal use levels and synergies. Known data gaps include comprehensive toxicological profiles for oral exposure and detailed regulatory nuances in certain regions.

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 2026-09-16 11:22:44 GMT (p2)