trans-Anethole (Anise Camphor)
Sweet flavoring agent, antimicrobial, fragrance component, insect attractant, pharmaceutical intermediate
trans-Anethole is a natural phenylpropanoid that is the principal aromatic compound in anise (Pimpinella anisum), star anise (Illicium verum), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) oils. As a purified isolate, trans-anethole is a white crystalline solid at room temperature (melting point 21-22 deg C) or a colorless to pale yellow liquid just above room temperature, with an intensely sweet, anise/licorice-like odor — approximately 13 times sweeter than sucrose on a weight basis. It is one of the most important high-volume aroma chemicals in the flavor and fragrance industry. Fresure supplies trans-anethole in natural grade (isolated from star anise or pine-derived crude sulfate turpentine) and synthetic grade, with batch-specific purity and stereochemistry verified by GC analysis.
| Botanical Name | trans-Anethole ((E)-1-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl)benzene) |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Anise Camphor, p-Propenylanisole, Isoestragole, Anethol, Hui Xiang Nao |
| Country of Origin | Naturally derived from star anise (China, Vietnam), anise, fennel, and pine-derived sulfate turpentine |
| Plant Family | ~ |
| Parts Used | ~ |
| Extraction Method | ~ |
| CAS Number | 4180-23-8 |
| Color / Appearance | White crystalline solid at <21 deg C; colorless to pale yellow clear liquid at >22 deg C |
| Odor | Intensely sweet, anise/licorice-like, slightly floral, highly characteristic and recognizable; approximately 13x sweeter than sucrose |
| Specific Gravity | 0.983 - 0.988 (25 deg C, supercooled liquid) |
| Refractive Index | 1.557 - 1.561 (25 deg C, supercooled liquid) |
| Optical Rotation | 0 deg (optically inactive) |
| Flash Point | 90-100 deg C (closed cup) |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol (1:2 in 90% ethanol), ether, chloroform, fixed oils, and most organic solvents |
| Major Constituents | trans-Anethole (99% min), cis-anethole (trace), estragole (trace), anisaldehyde (trace) |
Sweet flavoring agent, antimicrobial, fragrance component, insect attractant, pharmaceutical intermediate
trans-Anethole (99% min), cis-anethole (trace), estragole (trace), anisaldehyde (trace)
GRAS flavoring substance (FEMA GRAS 2086). Widely used in confectionery (especially licorice and anise candies), baked goods, chewing gum, alcoholic beverages (anisette, ouzo, pernod, sambuca, arak), and oral care products. The intense sweetness makes it an excellent sugar-sparing flavor modulator.
Sweet, anisic note in fine fragrances, particularly oriental and fougere compositions. Used in soaps, detergents, air fresheners, and scented candles. Provides sweetness and diffusion at low concentrations. Often used in combination with coumarin, vanillin, and heliotropin.
Flavor masking agent in liquid medications, particularly pediatric formulations. Intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds including certain antihistamines and antimicrobial agents. The sweet taste effectively masks bitter drug substances.
Insect attractant in pheromone traps and monitoring systems for certain pest species. Antimicrobial preservative in stored grain protection. Natural fungicide for post-harvest crop protection. Component of lure formulations for fruit fly monitoring programs.
Vanilla, Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Coriander, Sweet Orange, Lavender, Rose
Custom packaging and private labeling available upon request.
Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool (18-25 deg C), dry place protected from light. trans-Anethole is sensitive to UV light, which can cause isomerization to the less desirable cis-anethole. Monitor cis-isomer content in stored product. Shelf life: 2 years under recommended conditions.
Under recommended storage conditions — tightly sealed in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight — trans-Anethole remains stable for 2 to 3 years. Monitor for any changes in aroma, color, or viscosity before use in production batches.
trans-Anethole is from the . This method preserves the full spectrum of volatile aromatic compounds and bioactive constituents that define the oil''s therapeutic and sensory profile.
Every shipment includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing the batch-specific chemical profile (GC/MS or GC-FID), physical parameters (specific gravity, refractive index, optical rotation), and organoleptic assessment. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) is also provided. Additional documentation — including GC/MS chromatograms, pesticide residue analysis, heavy metal testing, and allergen statements — is available upon request.
Standard MOQ is 1 kg for most compound / isolates, with bulk pricing available at 5 kg, 25 kg, and 180 kg drum quantities. Contact our sales team for current pricing and availability for your required volume.
Yes. We provide complimentary 10–30 mL samples of most products for qualified B2B buyers to evaluate quality, aroma, and suitability before placing bulk orders. Sample requests are subject to availability and shipping costs may apply. Request a sample through our contact form.
Contact our team for pricing, samples, and technical documentation. We respond to all B2B inquiries within 24 hours.
