Dihydrosafrole is a chemical compound frequently used in the production of perfumes and flavorings due to its pleasant scent profile. Despite being less well-known than its precursor safrole, dihydrosafrole plays a crucial role in enhancing the sensory experience of various consumer products. Its relevance extends beyond the realm of chemistry, impacting the olfactory experiences of individuals in their daily lives through the scents of personal care products, household cleaners, and packaged foods.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Dihydrosafrole is a chemical compound commonly used in the fragrance industry. Its pleasant aroma makes it a popular choice for adding scent to perfumes, air fresheners, and other cosmetic products. In addition, dihydrosafrole is utilized in the production of flavorings, particularly in the food and beverage industry.
Furthermore, dihydrosafrole is employed in the manufacturing of insecticides and fungicides due to its effective repellant properties. Its use in agricultural products helps to protect crops from pests and diseases, ensuring a higher yield for farmers. Additionally, dihydrosafrole is utilized in the production of certain plastics and polymers, contributing to various industrial applications.
In terms of drug and medication applications, dihydrosafrole is not commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry. However, it has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, particularly in the field of natural medicine. Some research suggests that dihydrosafrole may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making it a candidate for further exploration in the development of herbal remedies.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Dihydrosafrole is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a spicy and sweet odor similar to that of sassafras oil. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, making it a volatile compound commonly used in perfumes and flavorings.
With a molar mass of 162.24 g/mol and a density of 1.10 g/cm³, dihydrosafrole is lighter than common food items such as sugar (molar mass of 342.30 g/mol, density of 1.59 g/cm³) and salt (molar mass of 58.44 g/mol, density of 2.16 g/cm³).
Dihydrosafrole has a melting point of -3°C and a boiling point of 236°C, which is lower than common food items such as butter (melting point of 32-35°C, boiling point of 250°C) and sugar (melting point of 186°C, decomposition point above 160°C).
Dihydrosafrole is sparingly soluble in water and exhibits a low viscosity. This is in contrast to common food items like salt and sugar, which are highly soluble in water and have a higher viscosity.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Dihydrosafrole is primarily produced through the hydrogenation of safrole, a colorless or slightly yellow oily liquid. This process typically involves the use of a catalyst such as palladium on carbon to promote the reduction of the double bond in safrole to produce dihydrosafrole.
Once produced, Dihydrosafrole can be procured through chemical suppliers or manufacturers who specialize in the production of aromatic compounds. The compound is often transported in sealed containers to prevent contamination and degradation during transit.
Given the potential for Dihydrosafrole to be used in the synthesis of various chemicals, its procurement is regulated in many countries. Consequently, individuals or organizations seeking to acquire Dihydrosafrole for research or industrial purposes must comply with relevant laws and regulations governing its production, storage, and use.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for Dihydrosafrole, also known as tetrahydroisosafrole, include potential skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory irritation. It is recommended to wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when handling this substance. Additionally, Dihydrosafrole should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials to reduce the risk of fire or explosion.
Hazard statements for Dihydrosafrole include “Causes skin irritation,” “Causes serious eye irritation,” and “May cause respiratory irritation.” These statements indicate the potential health hazards associated with exposure to Dihydrosafrole. It is important to follow proper safety precautions to minimize the risk of these hazards when working with this substance.
Precautionary statements for Dihydrosafrole include “Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection,” “IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water,” and “If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.” These statements outline the recommended precautions to take when working with Dihydrosafrole to reduce the risk of skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory irritation. It is crucial to follow these precautions to protect oneself from potential harm when handling this substance.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Research on dihydrosafrole, a compound found in certain essential oils, has shown potential as an anti-inflammatory agent due to its ability to inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators. Further studies could explore its potential for treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or inflammatory skin disorders.
Additionally, dihydrosafrole has been investigated for its antimicrobial properties, with promising results in inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. Future research could delve deeper into its mechanism of action and potential applications in developing new antimicrobial agents.
Furthermore, the potential neuroprotective effects of dihydrosafrole have garnered interest in the scientific community. Studies have suggested that this compound may have antioxidative properties that could help protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Further research could explore its neuroprotective mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications in treating such conditions.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Dihydrosafrole based upon molecular structure is Isosafrole. Isosafrole is structurally similar to Dihydrosafrole, differing only in the positioning of one double bond. This compound is commonly used in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and fragrances due to its aromatic properties.
Another compound that bears resemblance to Dihydrosafrole is Safrole. Safrole is a naturally occurring organic compound found in various essential oils, including sassafras oil. It shares a similar molecular structure with Dihydrosafrole, with the only difference being the presence of an additional double bond in Safrole.
Methyleugenol is yet another compound that exhibits structural similarity to Dihydrosafrole. Methyleugenol is commonly used in the fragrance and flavor industries due to its pleasant aroma. Like Dihydrosafrole, Methyleugenol contains a propenyl side chain attached to a benzene ring, making them closely related in terms of molecular structure.
