Aroma
Mild, yet somewhat "gassy" Hawthorne-Anise type odor of good tenacity. It has some
resemblance to Methylacetophenone, but is
not nearly as harsh or pungent.
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
Uses
A volatile compound released by flowering plants to attractant insects
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.
Definition
ChEBI: 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-propanone is an alkylbenzene.
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.
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.
