Eugenol: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Eugenol is a weak acid having the chemical formula C10H12O2. It is a yellow pale-coloured allyl chain substituted with guaiacol. It is an aromatic oil extracted from essential oils like clove oil, cinnamon, basil, bay leaf, and nutmeg. The concentration of clove oil is between 82-88 %.

 Eugenol's name is derived from the former nomenclature of clove which is 'eugenia caryophyllata’.

 One of the major components of clove oil is phenylpropanoids, and eugenol is the reduced version of it. It has multiple uses and can be used for skin purposes, if added indirectly. However, if taken indirectly, it could be harmful to the skin and backfire, as essential oils should not be applied to the skin directly. The exposure of eugenol to direct air makes the consistency of it thicker and darker, which is relative to the time it is exposed to air.

Properties of Eugenol

 Physical Properties of Eugenol

 Uses of Eugenol

1. Eugenol is used in perfumes because of its aromatic smell.
2. It is also used in the manufacturing of local antiseptics and healers.
3. It is used as a bait to attract and study bees.
4. Food industries often use eugenol for food additives and food colourings.
5. One of the oldest used cement is zinc oxide eugenol; it produces a marginal seal than others and has been used for many years.
6. Essential oils being one of the main markets for the abundant use of eugenols, there are certain modifications of eugenol at a chemical level that are being done by experts to make it more suitable for patients and their needs.

Chemical Properties of Eugenol

With iron and chloride, eugenol undergoes a double displacement reaction as follows:

C10H12O2 + FeCl3 → C10H9O2Fe + 3HCl

After reacting with bromine, eugenol forms oxygen and 1,3 – dibromo butyl benzene. The chemical reaction of this is as follows:

C10H12O2 + Br2 → C10H12Br2 + O2

Eugenol in Class 11

For the year 2021, the chapter on alcohol, phenol, and ethers holds a weightage of 6 marks, including one very short question (2 marks), one short question (3 marks), and one objective type question (1 mark).

Q. What is the molar mass or molarity of eugenol?

Q. Is eugenol toxic to use?

Q. Is eugenol soluble in water?

Q. Which essential oils are present in eugenol?

Q. What is the chemical formula of eugenol?

Q. What is the IUPAC name for the weakly acid compound eugenol?

Q. What is the vapour density of eugenol?