Guaiacol (chemical name: 2-methoxyphenol, C ₇ H ₈ O ₂) is a natural organic compound found in wood tar, guaiacol resin, and certain plant essential oils. It has a unique smoky aroma and a slightly sweet woody scent, widely used in industrial and scientific research fields.
Application scope:
(1) Food spices
According to the Chinese national standard GB2760-96, guaiacol is listed as a permitted food flavor, which is mainly used to prepare the following essence:
Coffee, vanilla, smoke and tobacco essence give food special flavor.
(2) Medical field
As a pharmaceutical intermediate, it is used for the synthesis of calcium guaiacol sulfonate (expectorant).
It has antioxidant properties and can be used as a superoxide radical scavenger for biomedical research.
(3) Spice and dye industry
It is a key raw material for synthesizing vanillin (vanillin) and artificial musk.
As an intermediate in dye synthesis, it is used to manufacture certain organic pigments.
(4) Analytical Chemistry
Used as a reagent for detecting copper ions, hydrogen cyanide, and nitrite.
Used in biochemical experiments for the study of redox reactions.
Guaiacol is a multifunctional compound with significant value in the fields of food, medicine, fragrance, and chemical engineering. Its unique aroma and chemical properties make it a key raw material for essence preparation, drug synthesis and analysis. With the development of technology, its application scope may further expand.
Post time: May-06-2025