4-Methoxyphenylacetone

Description

l-(p-Methoxyphenyl)-2-propanone has an odor and taste similar to anise. May be obtained by boiling α- or β-anetholglycol with a 20% solution of sulfuric acid, or from l-(p-methoxyphenyl)- propan-l,2-ol by treatment with diluted sulfuric acid.

Chemical properties

Pale Yellow Liquid

Chemical properties

1-(p-Methoxyphenyl)-2-propanone has an odor and taste similar to anise.

Occurrence

Reported found in Chinese star anise and in Russian star anise; also reported found in sweet and common fen nel, chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) and Illicium verum and cherry

The Uses of 4-Methoxyphenylacetone

A volatile compound released by flowering plants to attractant insects

Preparation

Obtained by boiling α- or β-anetholglycol with a 2% solution of sulfuric acid, or from 1-(p-methoxyphenyl)-propan-1,2-ol by treatment with diluted sulfuric acid.

Definition

ChEBI: 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-propanone is an alkylbenzene.

What are the applications of Application

4-Methoxyphenylacetone is used occasionally in perfumes, but more frequent ly in flavor compositions. In fruit and imitation Vanilla, sometimes in Walnut or Cherry flavors, it may be used in traces, equivalent to 0.5 to 5 ppm in the finished product.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 15 ppm: sweet spicy, with green anisic, minty nuances.

Synthesis Reference(s)

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 61, p. 1748, 1996 DOI: 10.1021/jo9518314

General Description

Asymmetric amination of 4-methoxyphenylacetone was studied.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion andother routes. A skin irritant. A flammable liquid.