Anethole

Other comments :

Anethole is the most common and neutral anisic note, representative of this family.

Stability :

Most of the time, the occurrence of a benzenic cycle in a molecule causes a coloration of this molecule through time

Uses in perfumery :

Anethole enhances fruity and floral notes by bringing a greener and more anisic facet.

Year of discovery :

Data not available.

Isomerism :

The trans-diastereoisomer of Anethole is always the most present in its natural state. In perfumery, it is usually a mixture of the two isomers that is used. Estragole is a positional isomer of Anethole. Both molecules have an anisic note, but Estragole is more aromatic and green.

Synthesis precursor :

Anethole is a precursor to the synthesis of Anisaldehyde by oxidation.

Natural availability :

Anethole can be obtained by crystallization of Anise EO or Star Anise EO, Sweet Fennel EO or from Turpentine EO, among others. In the case of turpentine, a mixture of Anethole and beta-Caryophyllene is obtained. Then, Anethole is separated from the mixture by crystallization. Another fraction of this extraction contains both Anethole and Estragol. Therefore, a potash treatment is necessary to obtain a mixture of Anethole and alpha-Terpineol. These two molecules are separable by fractional distillation.

Synthesis route :

The synthesis of Anethole is made by a Friedel-Crafts reaction using methoxybenzene and propionyl chloride. A hydrogenation followed by an acid treatment allows to obtain Anethole.