Anethole

Anetholum, p-methoxypropenylbenzene; CAS No.: 480-23-8Anethol
is an organic compound which is highly soluble in ethanol and insoluble in water. It is a component of various essential oils, e.g. anise oil (see below Anisi fructus) and fennel oil. Anethole occurs as trans-anethole and cis-anethole in fennel, anise and star anise. The smell of anethole is responsible for the typical aniseed aroma. A structural isomer of anethole is tarragol.
Anethole has a secretolytic, secretomotoric, antihelmintic and antibacterial effect on different types of aniseed. species. At the same time it shows a spasmolytic effect, which is why it can be used as an expectorant. Experiments have shown an anticarcinogenic effect.
Anethole is used as a fragrance and flavoring agent mainly in hygiene products in soaps and oral care products, but also in food chemistry.

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