Guaiacol: A Versatile Aromatic Compound for Flavors, Fragrances, and Pharmaceuticals
Discover the multifaceted applications of Guaiacol, a key aromatic chemical influencing flavors, fragrances, and pharmaceuticals worldwide.
Get a Quote & SampleProduct Core Value

Guaiacol
Guaiacol, chemically known as 2-methoxyphenol (CAS 90-05-1), is a naturally occurring phenolic compound renowned for its characteristic smoky, woody, and spicy aroma. This versatile ingredient is a cornerstone in the creation of various flavor and fragrance profiles, playing a critical role in replicating notes found in smoke, vanilla, and roasted products. Its utility extends significantly into the pharmaceutical industry as a key intermediate and an active component in expectorants and antiseptics. As a building block in organic synthesis, Guaiacol is essential for producing compounds like vanillin, a widely used food additive and fragrance component. Its biobased origin and adherence to Green Chemistry principles also position it as a sustainable choice for numerous industrial applications.
- Unlock the distinctive smoky and woody notes of guaiacol in your flavor formulations, enhancing profiles from bacon and beef to coffee and tea.
- Leverage guaiacol as a key precursor for vanillin synthesis, a crucial ingredient for creating authentic vanilla and cocoa flavors.
- Explore the pharmaceutical applications of guaiacol, including its use as an expectorant and antiseptic in various medicinal preparations.
- Integrate guaiacol's aromatic properties into fragrances, contributing warm, spicy, and balsamic nuances to perfumes and personal care products.
Key Advantages
Versatile Flavor and Fragrance Profile
The complex smoky, woody, and spicy aroma of guaiacol makes it indispensable for crafting authentic flavor and fragrance experiences across a wide spectrum of products, from savory foods to fine perfumes.
Crucial Pharmaceutical Intermediate
As a vital building block in the pharmaceutical industry, guaiacol serves as a starting material for synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and is used in formulations for respiratory relief.
Sustainable and Biobased Sourcing
Derived from natural sources and produced through processes aligned with Green Chemistry principles, guaiacol offers a sustainable and environmentally conscious ingredient option.
Key Applications
Flavor Industry
Guaiacol enhances savory profiles like bacon, beef, and smoke flavors, and contributes essential notes to chocolate, coffee, and vanilla flavorings, making it a staple in food and beverage applications.
Fragrance Industry
Used in perfumery and cosmetics, guaiacol provides warm, balsamic, and woody notes, acting as a base note that adds depth and longevity to fragrance compositions.
Pharmaceuticals
Its expectorant and antiseptic properties make guaiacol a valuable component in medicinal syrups and treatments for coughs and respiratory congestion.
Organic Synthesis
Guaiacol serves as a critical intermediate for synthesizing other valuable chemicals, most notably vanillin, a widely used flavoring agent and perfumery ingredient.