Eugenol is the main constituent of clove (80%–90%), with a cool, spicy, pungent aroma. It was first synthesized by Carl Jacob Ettling in 1834. Vanillin (in Japanese) can actually be synthesized from eugenol; when made this way, it is called eugenol vanillin or clove vanillin.
It also occurs in bay (in Japanese), cinnamon leaves, patchouli (in Japanese), and pimento berry (in Japanese). It is also used to create the scent of carnation (in Japanese).
How Does It Smell in Perfume?
Eugenol is a single compound with a powerful, clove-like spicy aroma. It occurs in natural materials such as clove essential oil, and when added to perfume it creates a warm, spicy core with sweetness within its sharpness. Whereas natural clove essential oil consists of many components, eugenol on its own expresses that characteristic scent distinctly. It is a different substance from the similarly named isoeugenol and methyl eugenol. Under IFRA Standards, eugenol is subject to use restrictions that vary by product category.
