CompoundList

Guaiacol

Also known as 2-Methoxyphenol, o-Methoxyphenol, 2-Hydroxyanisole

Guaiacol chemical structure, C7H8O2, CAS 90-05-1
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Faintly yellowish, limpid, oily liquid or yellow crystals
Melting point
32 ยฐC
Boiling point
205 ยฐC
Density
1.1287 g/cmยณ at 21 ยฐC
Flash point
82.2 ยฐC
HS code
290950
Category
Synthetic aroma chemicals
Illustrative photo, golden oil with amber dropper bottles on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Guaiacol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Guaiacol is a monomethoxybenzene that consists of phenol with a methoxy substituent at the ortho position. It has a role as a disinfectant, a plant metabolite, an expectorant and an EC 1.1.1.25 (shikimate dehydrogenase) inhibitor. It is functionally related to a catechol.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2-methoxyphenol
CAS number
90-05-1 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 26247-00-7, 9009-62-5
EC numbers
201-964-7, 804-496-7
Molecular formula
C7H8O2
UNII
6JKA7MAH9C
MDL number
MFCD00002185
INCI name
GUAIACOL, PROPOLIS WAX
InChIKey
LHGVFZTZFXWLCP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C7H8O2/c1-9-7-5-3-2-4-6(7)8/h2-5,8H,1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
COC1=CC=CC=C1O

Synonyms

  • 2-Methoxyphenol
  • o-Methoxyphenol
  • 2-Hydroxyanisole
  • o-Guaiacol
  • Guaiastil
  • Pyroguaiac acid
  • o-Hydroxyanisole
  • Phenol, 2-methoxy-
  • Anastil
  • 1-Hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene
  • Pyrocatechol monomethyl ether
  • Guaicol
  • Phenol, o-methoxy-
  • Guaicolina
  • Guajol
  • Guasol
  • O-Methyl catechol
  • Creodon
  • 2-Methoxy-Phenol
  • Guajacol
  • Guajakol
  • Catechol monomethyl ether
  • Pyrocatechol methyl ester
  • (mu)-methoxyphenol
  • 2-methoxyl-4-vinylphenol
Show all 37 synonyms
  • Catechol, Methyl
  • 2-Hydroxy-Anisole
  • Methylcatechol
  • Methoxyphenol
  • Methyl Catechol
  • 2-methoxy phenol
  • guiacol
  • Methylcatachol
  • o-methoxy-Phenol
  • Guaiacol (JAN)
  • Creodon (TN)
  • Guaiacol (Standard)

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Faintly yellowish, limpid, oily liquid or yellow crystalsexp.
Odour
Aromatic odorexp.
Melting point
32 ยฐCexp.
Boiling point
205 ยฐCexp.
Density
1.1287 g/cmยณ at 21 ยฐCexp.
Flash point
82.2 ยฐCexp.
Solubility
1 g /o-methoxyphenol/ is soluble in 60-70 mL water, in 1 mL glycerolexp.
Vapour pressure
0.103 mm Hg 25 ยฐCexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
124.14 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
124.0524 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.4calc.
Topological polar surface area
29.46 ร…ยฒcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
9calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.14calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, c1ccccc1

c1ccccc1

1 ring, 6 atoms, the Benzene ring system.

485,677 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
Precautionary statements (13)
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Guaiacol suppliers

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Guaiacol price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Antioxidant, anti-gumming agent in hydrocarbon solvents, anti-skinning agent in surface coatings, chemical intermediate.

Stimulant expectorant, chemical intermediate for other expectorants, eg, guaiacol carbonate, flavoring agent for non-alcoholic beverages and foods, chemical intermediate for papaverine and vanillin.

Methoxyphenol is used in the manufacture of medicines, guaiacol compounds, and perfumes.

Direct-acting or stimulant expectorant.

Industrial uses: Intermediate.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name GUAIACOL(perfuming)

Roles

  • antimicrobial agent
  • antitussive
  • disinfectant
  • enzyme inhibitor
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • expectorant
  • metabolite
  • pharmaceutical
  • plant metabolite

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Humectant
  • Pharmaceutical

Cosmetic functions

  • Perfuming
  • Skin conditioning
  • Skin conditioning - emollient

How it is made

Distillation of wood tar or coal tar, reaction of o-dichlorobenzene with alkali to form catechol, followed by methylation

Guaiacol is prepared by monomethylation of catechol using methyl halides or dimethyl sulfate. Monomethylation of catechol can also be accomplished with methanol in the presence of phosphoric acid, phosphates, or an ion exchanger.

By mercuric oxide oxidation of lignin, ... by oxidation of anisole with trifluoroperoxyacetic acid, ... from acetovanillone and zinc chloride.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 604-031-00-6

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Guaiacol is traded under.

HS 2909.50Indicative HS code

Ether-phenols, ether-alcohol-phenols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated orโ€ฆ

World exports in 2024
$284M
+11.9% vs 2023, imports $291M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. India * partner reported32.9%
  2. Indonesia17.7%
  3. France * partner reported11.2%
Top importers
  1. China20.7%
  2. United States12.0%
  3. Brazil6.8%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Guaiacol is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Guaiacol, based on the data on this page

What is Guaiacol?

Guaiacol is a monomethoxybenzene that consists of phenol with a methoxy substituent at the ortho position. It has a role as a disinfectant, a plant metabolite, an expectorant and an EC 1.1.1.25 (shikimate dehydrogenase) inhibitor. It is functionally related to a catechol.

What is the CAS number of Guaiacol?

The CAS registry number of Guaiacol is 90-05-1. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 26247-00-7, 9009-62-5.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Guaiacol?

The molecular formula of Guaiacol is C7H8O2 and its molar mass is 124.14 g/mol.

What is Guaiacol used for?

Antioxidant, anti-gumming agent in hydrocarbon solvents, anti-skinning agent in surface coatings, chemical intermediate. Stimulant expectorant, chemical intermediate for other expectorants, eg, guaiacol carbonate, flavoring agent for non-alcoholic beverages and foods, chemical intermediate for papaverine and vanillin.

Is Guaiacol hazardous?

Guaiacol carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Guaiacol?

Guaiacol is usually classified under HS code 290950 (Ether-phenols, ether-alcohol-phenols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated orโ€ฆ). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Guaiacol?

CompoundList lists 135 suppliers of Guaiacol in China, United States, India, Germany and 12 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Guaiacol in India?

10 suppliers in India list Guaiacol on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Guaiacol?

Suppliers quote Guaiacol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Guaiacol

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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