Chemical Properties
2,6-Dimethoxyphenol is an off-white or grey to brown crystalline powder that has a woody, medicinal, rather dry odor.
Occurrence
Reported found in beechwood tar creosote, onion, garlic, leek, chive, nira (Allium tuberosum Rotti), nobira
(Allium grayi Regal) and caucus (Allium victoralis L.)
Uses
2,6-Dimethoxyphenol has been used as a metabolite of lignin depolymerisation.It is also used as flavoring agent or adjuvant.It is reported to be the single most important flavor chemical in smoke flavors. It is used in smoke flavors, whisky, rum, tea, spice, savory, seafood, meat, liquorices, coffee, and nut flavors.
Preparation
2,6-Dimethoxyphenol is prepared by reacting pyrogallol with methyl iodide in alkaline aqueous medium; by demethylation of pyrogallol trimethyl ether in aqueous alkali or in alcohol.
Definition
ChEBI: 2,6-dimethoxyphenol is a member of the class of phenols that is phenol substituted by methoxy groups at positions 2 and 6. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a member of phenols and a dimethoxybenzene.
Aroma threshold values
Detection: 400 ppb to 1.85 ppm
Taste threshold values
Taste characteristics at 60 ppm: sweet, medicinal, creamy, meaty, vanilla, spice.
General Description
2,6-Dimethoxyphenol has been identified as one of the volatile flavor constituents in shoyu (soy sauce), wine and wood smoke.
Purification Methods
Purify the phenol by zone melting or sublimation in a vacuum. [Beilstein 6 IV 7329.]
