Flavor ingredient regulatory record
2,4-Dimethylanisole
2,4-Dimethylanisole is a phenol in the fruity family, FEMA GRAS under FEMA number 3828 (CAS 6738-23-4). Its odor is sweet, woody, spicy, herbal.
- FEMA
- 3828
- CAS
- 6738-23-4
- JECFA
- 1245
- EU FL
- 04.063
- Formula
- C9H12O
- EC
- 229-794-9
GRAS status: FEMA GRAS, publication 18. Recorded by FDA in the Substances Added to Food inventory under CAS 6738-23-4.
Structure
Identity
Also known as: Benzene, 1-methoxy-2,4-dimethyl-, Anisole, 2,4-dimethyl-, 1-Methoxy-2,4-dimethylbenzene, 4-Methoxy-m-xylene, 4-Methoxy-1,3-dimethylbenzene, NSC 137834, 2,4-Dimethylphenyl methyl ether, 1-methoxy-2,4-dimethylbenzene, benzene, 1-methoxy-2,4-dimethyl-, 4-methoxy-m-xylene, ai3-21151, 2,4-dimethylanisole [fhfi].
Can 2,4-Dimethylanisole be labeled natural?
Nature occurrence: Not yet found in nature (provisional).
Nature occurrence has not been settled for this substance, so the natural or artificial class is not stated here. The FEMA GRAS status does not depend on it.
Regulatory status, with citations
United States
2,4-Dimethylanisole is FEMA GRAS under FEMA number 3828. It is cited in the Code of Federal Regulations at 21 CFR 172.515.
European Union and United Kingdom
Listed on the Union List of flavouring substances as FL 04.063, Annex I Part A under Regulation (EC) 1334/2008, evaluation status approved (EFSA). The UK retains the same list.
JECFA (WHO / FAO)
JECFA number 1245, evaluated at the 61st meeting in 2003. no safety concern at current levels of intake.
Other US flags
Not on the California Proposition 65 list.
Odor and taste
Odor: Sweet, woody, spicy, herbal.
Where it is used
2,4-Dimethylanisole is used in beverage, confection, flavoring and baked goods, typically as a fruity note.
Structurally similar flavor ingredients
Flavor ingredients with a GRAS determination closest to 2,4-Dimethylanisole by structure. Whether one can replace it is a sensory and regulatory call; the reformulation tool works that through.
| Material | FEMA | Similarity | Occurrence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Methoxy-4-methylbenzene | 2681 | 88% | In nature |
| p-alpha,alpha-Trimethylbenzyl alcohol | 3242 | 74% | In nature |
| Thymol | 3066 | 66% | In nature |
| p,alpha-Dimethylstyrene | 3144 | 65% | In nature |
| 1-Methoxy-2-methylbenzene | 2680 | 64% | In nature |
More phenols in this index
1-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethylbenzene · 1-Methoxy-4-methylbenzene · 1-Cyclopropanemethyl-4-methoxybenzene · 4-Ethyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol · p-Propylanisole · 1-Methoxy-2-methylbenzene
2,4-Dimethylanisole FAQ
Is 2,4-Dimethylanisole FEMA GRAS?
Yes. The FEMA Expert Panel lists 2,4-Dimethylanisole as GRAS under FEMA number 3828. It is also codified at 21 CFR 172.515.
What are the FEMA and CAS numbers for 2,4-Dimethylanisole?
2,4-Dimethylanisole is FEMA 3828, CAS 6738-23-4. FEMA files it in the fruity flavor category.
Is 2,4-Dimethylanisole on the EU Union List?
2,4-Dimethylanisole is on the EU Union List of flavouring substances as FL 04.063 (Annex I Part A) under Regulation 1334/2008.
Has JECFA evaluated 2,4-Dimethylanisole?
Yes. JECFA number 1245, evaluated at the 61st meeting in 2003. Conclusion: no safety concern at current levels of intake.
How is 2,4-Dimethylanisole described, and where does it show up?
Flavorists describe 2,4-Dimethylanisole as sweet, woody, spicy, herbal. It is used in beverage, confection, flavoring and baked goods.
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Sources and attribution. The identity and regulatory facts on this page are taken from the FDA Substances Added to Food inventory, a US government record, which lists this substance as 2,4-DIMETHYLANISOLE under CAS 6738-23-4 and carries its FEMA number, its JECFA flavor number. The inventory is searchable at FDA. FDA records its technical effect as flavoring agent or adjuvant.
A FEMA GRAS conclusion is reached by the Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States, and the FEMA number names that conclusion. FEMA publishes its own entry for this substance in the FEMA Flavor Library, which is the authoritative record of what the Panel decided and is worth reading alongside this page.
Ambrose Compliance is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by FEMA. FEMA and FEMA GRAS are used here as identifiers for a published regulatory determination, not as marks of any relationship between FEMA and Ambrose.
About this page. Facts come from the FDA Substances Added to Food inventory, the Code of Federal Regulations, the EPA TSCA Inventory, the EU Union List, JECFA and the Ambrose database, with FEMA's published determination cited where it applies; parts of the text are written by Ambrose AI, which can make mistakes. Check the cited source before relying on anything here. This is not regulatory or legal advice.