Estragole
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Estragole | |
---|---|
Chemical name | 1-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)benzene |
Chemical formula | C10H12O |
Molecular mass | 148.20 g/mol |
CAS number | [140-67-0] |
Density | 0.946 g/cm3 |
Melting point | ? °C |
Boiling point | 216 °C 95-96 °C at 12 mmHg |
SMILES | C=CCC1=CC=C(OC)C=C1 |
Disclaimer and references |
Estragole, or p-allylanisole or methyl chavicol, is a natural organic compound. Its chemical structure consists of a benzene ring substituted with a methoxy group and a propenyl group. Estragole is a double-bond isomer of anethole. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid. It is the primary constituent of tarragon oil making up 60-75% of the oil. It is also found in pine oil and turpentine.
Estragole is used in perfumes and as a food additive for flavor.
[edit] Risks
Estragole is known to be carcinogenic and genotoxic, as is indicated by a report of the European Union. A reduction in consumption is thus indicated. Special care is also to be taken with infant nourishment, since many teas or tea-like beverages contain estragole.