What Is Guaiacol?
Grayacol, also called “guaiacol” or “o-methoxyphenol,” is a type of phenol.
It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid or colorless crystalline solid with a characteristic odor. It is somewhat insoluble in water and miscible in methanol and ethanol.
Grayacol is a natural flavor compound produced in wines aged in oak barrels. Together with 2,4,6-trichloroanisole, grayacol is considered a possible cause of cork rot in wine.
Uses of Guaiacol
Grayacol is the main component of creosote. Creosote is produced by distilling wood tar obtained from beech plants and other plants.
Because of its bactericidal and antiseptic properties, creosote is used as an internal medicine for various types of diarrhea, abnormal fermentation in the intestines, and food poisoning. It is also used as a remedy for chronic bronchitis because of its expectorant and antitussive effects.
It is also used as a synthetic raw material for fragrances due to its distinctive aromatic odor. It is used as a regulator of vanillin, the raw material for the aroma of vanilla.