Guaiacol: A Versatile Aromatic Compound for Flavors, Fragrances, and Pharmaceuticals
Explore the unique properties and diverse applications of Guaiacol (CAS 90-05-1), a key ingredient in flavor creation, fragrance formulation, and pharmaceutical synthesis.
Get a Quote & SampleProduct Core Value

Guaiacol
Guaiacol, chemically known as 2-methoxyphenol (CAS 90-05-1), is a naturally occurring organic compound celebrated for its distinctive smoky, phenolic aroma and flavor. Its versatility makes it an indispensable ingredient in a wide array of industries, from enhancing food and beverage profiles to serving as a critical building block in fragrances and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Discover the extensive uses of guaiacol in various industries, ranging from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
- Understand the key chemical properties of guaiacol, including its structure, solubility, and stability.
- Learn about the significant role of guaiacol in flavorings, contributing smoky, vanilla, and woody notes to products like whiskey and tobacco.
- Explore how guaiacol is used in fragrances to impart warm, spicy, and balsamic accords, acting as a key base note in perfumes.
- Investigate the crucial pharmaceutical applications of guaiacol, particularly as an intermediate for expectorants like guaifenesin and in the synthesis of muscle relaxants and cardiovascular drugs.
Key Advantages of Using Guaiacol
Flavor Enhancement
Leverage guaiacol's unique sensory profile to create authentic smoky, vanilla, and spicy notes in a variety of food and beverage applications, improving overall taste experiences.
Fragrance Formulation
Incorporate guaiacol into fragrance compositions for its warm, woody, and balsamic character, enhancing perfumes, air fresheners, and personal care products.
Pharmaceutical Synthesis
Utilize guaiacol as a vital chemical intermediate in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) such as guaifenesin, essential for cough and cold remedies.
Key Applications
Flavors & Fragrances
Guaiacol is indispensable in creating complex flavor profiles for foods and beverages, offering smoky, vanilla, and spicy notes. In fragrances, it provides warm, woody, and balsamic undertones, enhancing perfumes and personal care items.
Pharmaceuticals
As a crucial intermediate, guaiacol is used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical ingredients like guaifenesin (an expectorant), sulfoguaiacol, muscle relaxants, and cardiovascular drugs.
Agrochemicals
Guaiacol finds application in the agrochemical sector, aiding in the development of products that protect crops from damage and potentially improve yields.
Organic Synthesis
Its versatile chemical structure makes guaiacol a valuable building block in organic synthesis for creating various bioactive compounds, antioxidants, and specialized chemical intermediates.