FlavScents AInsights Entry for para-Methyl Anisole (CAS: 104-93-8)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): para-Methyl Anisole, p-Methylanisole
- IUPAC Name: 1-Methoxy-4-methylbenzene
- CAS Number: 104-93-8
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL Number: Data not found; CoE Number: Data not found; IFRA Reference: Data not found
- Molecular Formula: C8H10O
- Molecular Weight: 122.16 g/mol
para-Methyl anisole is characterized by a methoxy group attached to a benzene ring, which contributes to its aromatic properties. The presence of the methoxy group is crucial for its odor profile, providing a sweet, anisic scent that is often associated with licorice or fennel-like aromas.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
para-Methyl anisole is known for its sweet, anisic odor with a character reminiscent of licorice and fennel. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion properties, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations. The taste and odor thresholds for para-methyl anisole are not clearly reported in the literature, but its sensory role is typically as an impact note or a modifier, enhancing the overall profile of a formulation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
para-Methyl anisole is naturally found in several essential oils, including anise and fennel oils. It can also be formed through the methylation of anisole, a process that can occur naturally or be synthetically replicated. Its presence in natural sources makes it relevant for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
para-Methyl anisole is used in various flavor categories, particularly in confectionery, beverages, and bakery products, where it imparts a sweet, licorice-like note. Its functional role in flavor systems is often as a modifier or an impact note, enhancing the sweetness and complexity of the flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired intensity. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions, but care should be taken to avoid excessive heat and oxidation, which can degrade its aromatic properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, para-methyl anisole is utilized in various fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and gourmand. It serves as a modifier or an impact note, contributing a sweet, anisic aroma that enhances the overall fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from trace amounts up to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: para-Methyl anisole is not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA, but it is used in compliance with general safety standards.
- European Union: It is used under the framework of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, but specific FL number status is not clearly reported.
- United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory alignment with the EU remains, but specific divergences are not documented.
- Asia: In Japan and China, para-methyl anisole is used in flavors and fragrances, but specific regulatory details are limited.
- Latin America: Usage is generally aligned with international standards, but specific country regulations may vary.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data on acceptable daily intake (ADI) or threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) for para-methyl anisole is not clearly reported. However, it is used in flavors at low concentrations, suggesting a wide margin of safety.
- Dermal Exposure: There is limited data on dermal irritation or sensitization, but it is generally considered safe for use in fragrances at typical concentrations.
- Inhalation Exposure: As a volatile compound, inhalation exposure is possible, but occupational exposure limits are not well-documented. General safety practices should be followed to minimize exposure.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
para-Methyl anisole is valued for its sweet, anisic aroma, which can enhance both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other sweet and spicy notes, such as vanilla and cinnamon. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as it can easily overpower other components if used excessively. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its unique profile can add depth and character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on para-methyl anisole is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical uses in flavors and fragrances. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, indicating potential gaps in comprehensive safety assessments. Industry practices often rely on historical usage and general safety standards.
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 2026-02-13 15:49:20 GMT (p2)