FlavScents AInsights Entry for 5-Methyl Guaiacol (CAS: 1195-09-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 5-Methyl Guaiacol
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methoxy-5-methylphenol
• CAS Number: 1195-09-1
• FEMA Number: 3651
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.013
• Molecular Formula: C8H10O2
• Molecular Weight: 138.17 g/mol

5-Methyl guaiacol is a phenolic compound characterized by a methoxy group and a methyl group attached to a benzene ring. The presence of these functional groups contributes to its distinctive smoky and spicy aroma, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

5-Methyl guaiacol is known for its smoky, spicy, and phenolic odor, often described as reminiscent of smoked bacon or roasted coffee. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it a valuable impact note in formulations. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is typically low, allowing it to impart a noticeable character even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

5-Methyl guaiacol naturally occurs in various smoked foods and is a product of the pyrolysis of lignin during the smoking process. It can also be found in roasted coffee and certain types of whiskey. Its formation is primarily associated with the thermal degradation of lignin, a major component of wood, which is relevant for its designation as a "natural flavor" in smoked and roasted products.

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

4. Use in Flavors

5-Methyl guaiacol is used in flavor formulations to impart smoky and roasted notes, commonly found in meat, barbecue sauces, and coffee flavors. It acts as an impact note and can enhance the authenticity of smoked or roasted profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 5-methyl guaiacol contributes to woody, smoky, and spicy accords. It is used in various fragrance families, including oriental and woody compositions, and is often employed as a trace realism or modifier. Typical concentrations range from 0.01% to 0.1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity. It is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.013.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved in Japan and China for flavor use, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in MERCOSUR countries, with specific national regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 5-methyl guaiacol is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with a high margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

5-Methyl guaiacol is valued for its ability to impart authentic smoky notes. It synergizes well with other phenolic compounds and can enhance the complexity of both flavors and fragrances. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can easily dominate a blend if overused. It is often under-utilized in non-traditional applications, such as in sweet or floral compositions, where it can add unexpected depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 5-methyl guaiacol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific concentration thresholds in novel applications may require further exploration. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies specific to inhalation exposure.

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

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 2026-03-28 05:45:15 GMT (p2)