FlavScents AInsights Entry for para-Methyl Anisole (CAS: 104-93-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): para-Methyl Anisole, p-Methyl Anisole
• IUPAC Name: 1-Methoxy-4-methylbenzene
• CAS Number: 104-93-8
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not clearly reported
• Molecular Formula: C8H10O
• Molecular Weight: 122.16 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: para-Methyl anisole is characterized by a methoxy group attached to a benzene ring, which contributes to its sweet, anisic odor profile. The methyl group enhances its volatility and diffusion, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: para-Methyl anisole is known for its sweet, anisic, and slightly floral aroma. It is often described as having a warm, spicy character with moderate intensity and good diffusion.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported; however, it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in flavor systems, providing a sweet and spicy character that enhances the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: para-Methyl anisole is found in various essential oils, including anise and fennel oils. It is also present in some spices and herbs.
• Formation Pathways: It can be formed through the methylation of anisole or via biosynthetic pathways in plants that produce aromatic compounds.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Its presence in natural essential oils allows it to be classified as a natural flavor or fragrance component when derived from these sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: para-Methyl anisole is used in spice, floral, and sweet flavor categories. It is commonly applied in confectionery, bakery, and beverage products.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier and impact note, enhancing sweetness and adding complexity to flavor profiles.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are not clearly reported; however, industry-typical use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products, depending on the application.
• Stability Considerations: para-Methyl anisole is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: It is used in oriental, floral, and spicy fragrance families. Commonly found in perfumes, soaps, and personal care products.
• Functional Role: para-Methyl anisole serves as a trace realism component and modifier, adding warmth and depth to fragrance compositions.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.5% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It contributes primarily to the middle notes, providing a lasting sweet and spicy character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): para-Methyl anisole is not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA; however, its use in flavors is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL Number Status): Not explicitly listed; assumed to be covered under broader flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; no specific divergence reported.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly reported; typically follows international guidelines.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Not explicitly listed; generally follows international safety and usage guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values reported; generally considered safe at typical flavor use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; generally considered safe in fragrance applications at typical use levels.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational exposure limits not clearly reported.
• Risk Profiles: No significant differences in risk profiles between food and fragrance applications have been reported.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: para-Methyl anisole is valued for its sweet, anisic aroma that enhances both flavor and fragrance formulations.
• Typical Synergies: Pairs well with other sweet and spicy notes, such as vanilla and cinnamon, to create complex profiles.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering sweetness; careful balancing is required.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in savory applications where a hint of sweetness can enhance complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Sensory characteristics and typical use levels are well-documented in industry literature.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and regulatory status often rely on industry norms rather than explicit documentation.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory listings and toxicological data are limited, requiring reliance on general safety guidelines.

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 2026-05-02 09:18:57 GMT (p2)