2-Methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)phenol · CAS 97-54-1 · Qaranfil ka phool (قرنفل کا پھول)
The soul of the carnation flower (Qaranfil — قرنفل) — the warm, sweet, spicy-floral phenylpropanoid at the heart of classic Pakistani wedding attars, landmark 20th-century perfumes, and the Unani aromatic tradition. IFRA-Restricted but olfactorily potent at trace levels. Complete scientific, safety, and formulation reference for Pakistani perfumers.
Miscible in DPG, Perfume Premix, IPM, fixed oils · Slightly soluble in water (~1.3 g/L). Avoid high-pH bases without testing
Halal Status
✓ Halal — Base-catalysed isomerisation of clove-derived eugenol. No animal reagents, no ethanol, no fermentation at any stage
Odour Character
Warm, sweet, spicy-floral; carnation, clove, rose-like, balsamic, powdery · Qaranfil ka phool (قرنفل کا پھول) — soft clove-flower warmth
Odour Threshold
~1–3 ppb in air — exceptionally potent. Olfactorily effective at IFRA-compliant levels (0.05–0.1% in compound)
IFRA Status (51st)
⚠ RESTRICTED — Cat.4 fine fragrance max ~0.11% finished product. Always back-calculate from compound % to finished % before use
EU Allergen Status
⚠ DECLARED ALLERGEN — EU Reg. 2023/1545. Declare as ISOEUGENOL on labels: >0.001% leave-on, >0.01% rinse-off
Natural Occurrence
Betel leaf (8–12%), Ylang-ylang EO (0.3–0.5%), Clove bud EO (0.5–1%), Nutmeg EO (0.1–0.4%), Rose absolute (trace)
Shelf Life (sealed)
2–3 years sealed, cool, dark · Turns orange-red on light exposure. Opened: 6–12 months if resealed promptly at <25°C
Introduction
Qaranfil — The Carnation Molecule
Isoeugenol is the molecule most responsible for the iconic scent of the carnation flower — Qaranfil in classical Urdu — a warm, sweet, spicy-floral phenylpropanoid that dominated high-end perfumery from the early 1900s through the mid-twentieth century and that continues to enchant formulators seeking depth, spice, and floral character in oriental and classic compositions. As the isomer of the better-known eugenol, isoeugenol differs only in the position of its propenyl double bond. Yet this minute structural shift — moving the C=C one position closer to the aromatic ring — produces a profoundly softer, more rounded, and more distinctly floral character. Where eugenol evokes the sharp medicinal bite of a dental clove, isoeugenol evokes the living flower: blushing pink, spice-laden, balsamic, and deeply beautiful.
In fine fragrance, isoeugenol is the backbone of carnation accords and appears in landmark fragrances including Bellodgia (Caron, 1927), L'Air du Temps (Nina Ricci, 1948), Youth Dew (Estée Lauder, 1953), and Opium (YSL, 1977). For Pakistani fragrance formulators, it holds particular cultural resonance: the spiced carnation character (Masaledar Phool — مسالیدار پھول) aligns naturally with the aromatic traditions of Lahore's wedding season, Eid al-Adha bakhoor preparations, and the heritage attars of the Mughal-Persian tradition. Working under IFRA's 51st Amendment restrictions, isoeugenol functions admirably as a trace-level heart modifier, rose-enhancer, and depth-builder — potent enough at 0.05–0.1% in compound to register clearly on the olfactory palette without exceeding permissible finished product concentrations in most fragrance categories.
Bio Shop™ Pakistan — Sourcing Note
Bio Shop™ Pakistan stocks Isoeugenol in two formats: pure fragrance-grade liquid (≥98% GC) and a 10% DPG pre-dilution for accurate trace-level dosing. Both supplied with batch CoA, SDS, and IFRA compliance documentation. The 10% DPG dilution is strongly recommended for attar and personal care formulators, enabling precise measurement at the sub-1% compound levels mandated by IFRA compliance. ⚠ This is an IFRA-Restricted ingredient — always calculate finished product concentration before use. Pure: bioshop.pk/products/isoeugenol · 10% DPG: bioshop.pk/products/iso-eugenol-10-in-dpg
Molecular Identity
Chemical Identification
IUPAC Name2-Methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)phenol
CAS Number97-54-1 (mixed); cis: 5932-68-3; trans: 7786-61-0
Olfactory ReceptorOR5AN1 (primary) and related phenylpropanoid GPCRs · trans-isomer binds more efficiently — higher (E)-purity = superior carnation character
Urdu / PakistanQaranfil ka phool (قرنفل کا پھول) — carnation flower · Masaledar Phool (مسالیدار پھول) — spiced flower
Grade & Purity Profiles
Four Commercial Grades
Isoeugenol's commercial reality in Pakistan requires grade literacy. The dominant adulterant in the local market is eugenol — a cheaper, sharper material — making grade verification essential. Bio Shop™ Pakistan stocks Fragrance Grade (≥98% GC), the professional specification supplied with full CoA documentation. The 10% DPG pre-dilution is the recommended format for most formulation work at trace compound levels.
RI 1.573–1.577 · Density 1.076–1.083 · Eugenol <1%
"The professional standard for all perfumery and cosmetic applications. Smooth carnation-floral opening; spiced balsamic dry-down. Bio Shop™ Pakistan primary stock. Available as pure liquid and 10% DPG pre-dilution. GC certificate with each batch. IFRA compliance docs included."
Pharmaceutical · Research Applications
Pharmaceutical Grade
≥99% GC · Tighter impurity controls · Dental, pharma, research use
GC Purity
≥99%
Produced under tighter controls; trace metals <5 ppm
"Required for dental material and pharmaceutical formulations. Givaudan, Symrise, and BASF produce this grade for European industrial markets. Olfactorily equivalent to fragrance grade but with stricter impurity profiles. For Pakistani formulators: fragrance grade is sufficient for all cosmetic/attar work."
Industrial · Lower Specification
Industrial Grade
90–95% GC · Higher cis content · More phenolic by-products
GC Purity
~92%
Higher (Z)-cis fraction; more phenolic-medicinal character
"Suitable for industrial soap and detergent applications at diluted levels. The increased cis-isomer content gives a greener, more tart odour profile with less pronounced carnation character. Not recommended for fine fragrance or attar work. Pakistani formulators should specifically request fragrance-grade (≥97% GC) to avoid this grade."
"Primary adulterant: eugenol (sharper, clove-medicinal, phenolic bite). Secondary: DPG or paraffin dilution (lower density). Field test: density must be 1.076–1.083 g/cm³ at 25°C; lighter = diluted. Colour test: fresh isoeugenol is pale yellow — orange-red indicates oxidation or impurity. Always request CoA with batch GC data."
Dosage Science
Concentration Behaviour
Isoeugenol is an olfactorily potent compound with a detection threshold of approximately 1–3 ppb — which means even at concentrations well within IFRA's 51st Amendment limits, it contributes meaningful and perceptible olfactory impact. Pakistani formulators concerned that IFRA restrictions render this material redundant should note: at 0.05–0.1% in a compound (typical IFRA-compliant range for EDP applications), isoeugenol is comfortably above its perception threshold. The key discipline is the back-calculation: compound percentage × finished product usage percentage = finished product isoeugenol concentration, which must remain below the IFRA category limit.
<0.01% in CompoundBelow Threshold
Imperceptible direct contribution at this level. Not recommended as primary isoeugenol dosage — use higher trace levels even in most restricted product categories where this can be achieved within IFRA limits
0.01–0.05% in CompoundSubliminal Spice Warmth
Sub-threshold architecture; invisible spice infrastructure that enhances rose, jasmine, and oriental base materials without any overt carnation character. Ideal for body lotion and skin cream compounds (IFRA Cat.5A ~0.01% limit)
0.05–0.2% in CompoundSoft Carnation Warmth
Soft carnation-floral warmth; spice-enhancing; rose and jasmine enhancement at its peak. The primary working range for EDP compounds (Cat.4 ~0.11% finished) and DPG attar body oil compounds (Cat.5B ~0.06% finished). IFRA-compliant for most applications at typical compound usage rates
0.2–0.5% in CompoundPronounced Carnation
Clear, recognisable carnation-spice character; heart lead note territory. IFRA-compliant for bar soap (Cat.9 ~0.58%), room diffusers (Cat.10A ~0.41%), and certain rinse-off applications, but may approach or exceed limits for fine fragrance at higher compound usage. Back-calculate carefully
0.5–2% in CompoundStrong Spice-Floral — IFRA Check Required
Strong, pronounced spicy-floral character; approaches medicinal-clove at upper end. Potentially IFRA-non-compliant for most leave-on applications unless compound is used at very low finished product percentages. Verify all back-calculations against current IFRA 51st Amendment category limits before use
Above 2% in CompoundNot Recommended for Consumer Products
Intense phenolic-medicinal character dominant; olfactorily unbalanced for fragrance use; non-compliant for virtually all skin-contact consumer product categories under IFRA. Research or reference use only. The carnation character is lost to overwhelming clove-medicinal phenolic dominance above this level
Sensory Analysis
Olfactory Evolution
Opening · 0–5 min
Spiced Warmth
At formulation-level concentrations (0.05–0.2% in compound), isoeugenol does not typically register as a dominant top note — its high boiling point (266–280°C) and excellent substantivity mean it develops from the skin's warmth rather than exploding volatilely. The opening impression at compliant levels is a warm, sweet-spicy quality reminiscent of Laung (clove) in chai masala — not the sharp dental-clove bite of eugenol, but a softer, rounded spice that immediately suggests quality and heritage. In Pakistan's summer heat, skin temperatures of 38–42°C accelerate the initial release, creating a slightly more pronounced spice impression in the first moments of wear. This opening is the moment that Pakistani consumers in the wedding and Eid market associate with recognising "the good attar" — the unmistakable warmth of a classic oriental heart material.
Heart · 5–30 min
Carnation Bloom
This is isoeugenol's primary fragrance placement — the heart note stage where the carnation-floral character unfolds fully. The trans-propenyl chain conjugated with the aromatic ring activates olfactory receptor OR5AN1, generating the characteristic Dianthus-carnation note: warm, spiced, balsamic, with a distinctly floral quality that distinguishes isoeugenol from its phenylpropanoid relatives. This heart phase is where isoeugenol most powerfully enhances its companion materials: PEA's honeyed rose becomes a rose-carnation accord of classical depth; Benzyl Salicylate's balsamic warmth blossoms into the definitive carnation floral; Coumarin's sweet-hay note transforms into the ittar-e-khas oriental sweetness associated with Eid prayers in the subcontinent. Pakistani wedding market consumers wearing an isoeugenol-based attar at mehndi or barat will experience this phase as the defining statement of the fragrance — rich, celebratory, and deeply traditional.
Dry-down · 30 min–2 hr
Balsamic Depth
As isoeugenol transitions from heart to dry-down, the spice character softens into a powdery balsamic warmth — the phenolic hydroxyl group forming increasingly stable hydrogen bonds with keratin proteins in the skin's stratum corneum. This phase is where isoeugenol's exceptional substantivity (LogP ≈2.27) becomes most evident: while lighter volatiles have evaporated, isoeugenol continues to radiate a soft, enveloping carnation-warmth from the skin surface. On cotton and silk — the dominant textile substrates of Pakistan's formal wardrobe — this dry-down phase is particularly beautiful: the shalwar kameez fabric holds isoeugenol's carnation note with a classical oriental depth reminiscent of old Lahori attars laid down in sandalwood bases. For the Pakistani consumer wearing a Qaranfil composition at Eid celebrations, this extended dry-down represents the sustained, invisible presence of the fragrance throughout the day.
Longevity · 4–24 hr+
Fabric Memory
Isoeugenol's substantivity is exceptional — longevity on a blotter strip can exceed 400 hours. On skin, a gentle carnation-rose warmth persists well beyond 4 hours, softening to an almost vanillic warmth in the late base stage as phenolic oxidation products contribute a slight powdery sweetness. On fabric, the material can be detected the following day as a soft, rounded spice-floral trace — the fragrance memory of Eid prayer on a stored shalwar kameez, or the scent of a Lahori wedding almari (wardrobe) perfumed by stored formal clothes. This fabric longevity is simultaneously isoeugenol's greatest commercial asset and its regulatory concern: high substantivity on human skin drives both its sensory value and its sensitisation potential, which is why IFRA restricts skin-contact concentrations while allowing higher levels in rinse-off and non-skin-contact applications.
Three production-ready formulas from the Bio Shop™ Pakistan reference document. ⚠ Isoeugenol is IFRA-Restricted: every formula includes mandatory IFRA back-calculation notes. All ingredients available at bioshop.pk. Formula 1 is a DPG attar. Formula 2 is a spiced-floral EDP compound using Perfume Premix as the sole alcohol base. Formula 3 is a glycerin bar soap compound.
Qaranfil-e-Lahore · قرنفلِ لاہور
Traditional Carnation Attar · DPG-based, no alcohol · 100g batch · Lahore wedding & Eid market
Combine all materials except DPG in clean amber glass beaker. Stir until homogeneous (~5 min). Add DPG gradually while stirring to reach 100g. Seal and macerate 1–2 weeks cool, dark. Isoeugenol at 2g of 10% solution = 0.20g actual isoeugenol (0.20% of compound). Coumarin at 8g of 10% solution = 0.80g actual coumarin. Longevity: 8–12 hours skin; >24 hours fabric. Character: rich spiced carnation-rose, balsamic, oriental.
⚠ IFRA Back-Calculation: Isoeugenol = 0.20% in compound. If used neat as attar (Cat.5B body oil), finished product isoeugenol = 0.20% — exceeds Cat.5B limit (~0.06%). Dilute at 30% compound in DPG for Cat.5B attar: isoeugenol = 0.20% × 30% = 0.06% — compliant. Also verify Benzyl Salicylate (6%) against IFRA Cat.5B. Always calculate all restricted materials independently.
Rang-e-Bahar EDP · رنگِ بہار
Spiced Floral Oriental EDP Compound · Perfume Premix base · 100g compound · Eid gifting / urban Karachi women
⚠ IFRA Back-Calculation (Cat.4 EDP): Isoeugenol = 0.10% in compound. At 20% compound in EDP → finished isoeugenol = 0.10% × 20% = 0.020% — well within Cat.4 limit (~0.11%). EU Allergen Declaration: isoeugenol must be listed as "ISOEUGENOL" on final product label (exceeds 0.001% in leave-on). Verify all materials independently.
Qaranfil Soap · قرنفل صابن
Spiced Carnation Bar Soap Compound · 100g compound batch · Use at 3% in 3.3 kg glycerin soap base · Pakistani home & gifting market
When glycerin melt-and-pour soap base is at 55–60°C (never above 65°C), add compound at 3% of soap weight. Stir gently 2 minutes; pour into moulds; cool fully before unmoulding. Isoeugenol: 3g of 10% = 0.30g actual (0.30% of compound). Performance: spiced-floral carnation on lather; moderate skin scent after rinsing. EU: allergen declaration required if exported.
⚠ IFRA Back-Calculation (Cat.9 Bar Soap): Isoeugenol = 0.30% in compound. At 3% compound in soap → finished isoeugenol = 0.30% × 3% = 0.009% — well within Cat.9 limit (~0.58%). Also check Benzyl Salicylate (20% of compound × 3% = 0.60%) and Geraniol (10% × 3% = 0.30%) against their respective Cat.9 IFRA limits independently.
Synergies
Classic Pairings
Isoeugenol's most powerful pairings are with phenylpropanoid-class materials that share related receptor activation pathways, and with oriental base materials that extend and anchor its carnation warmth. The foundational pairing (Isoeugenol + Benzyl Salicylate) is documented throughout 20th-century perfumery as the definitive carnation accord core. Ratios shown as compound percentages.
Phenylpropanoid · Allyl Side Chain · Clove-Woody-Spice
Aroma vs. Isoeugenol
Sharper, more medicinal-clove, woody-spice, less floral; the "dental clove" character vs. isoeugenol's flower
Odour Threshold / IFRA
~10 ppb — less potent · ⚠ Also IFRA Restricted (separate limits) · Not EU allergen-listed
Use With Isoeugenol
Combined phenylpropanoid spice for stronger clove-carnation impact — both carry separate IFRA limits; calculate independently
Pakistan Application
Clove bud EO contains eugenol naturally; used in masala-type bakhoor; less refined carnation than isoeugenol for premium attar
Verdict: Parent compound. More pungent, less floral, lower cost. Use eugenol for bakhoor or industrial-clove character; isoeugenol for fine carnation perfumery where softness and roundness are needed.
Essential co-material in all Qaranfil attar formulas; available at bioshop.pk/products/benzyl-salicylate
Verdict: Indispensable companion. Never substitute — always use together. The carnation accord without benzyl salicylate is incomplete. Calculate both materials' IFRA limits independently; both carry restrictions.
Gamma Methyl Ionone
Ionone Class · Violet-Woody-Orris · Alternative Floral Modifier
Aroma vs. Isoeugenol
Violet-woody-orris; no spice character; cool, powdery, woody floral; entirely different family but overlapping "floral modifier" function
Odour Threshold / IFRA
~1 ppb · ✓ IFRA unrestricted · Not EU allergen listed — regulatory advantage over isoeugenol
Use With Isoeugenol
Combined floral complexity: isoeugenol adds spiced carnation warmth; Gamma Methyl Ionone adds violet-orris coolness to the floral heart
Pakistan Application
IFRA-unrestricted alternative for body lotion/cream compounds where isoeugenol's strict Cat.5A limit makes formulation difficult
Verdict: Regulatory alternative for restricted product types. Use Gamma Methyl Ionone when IFRA limits on isoeugenol create headroom issues — different character but similar floral-modifier function. Available at bioshop.pk/products/gamma-methyl-ionone.
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
Natural EO · Contains 0.3–0.5% Isoeugenol · Exotic Floral
Aroma vs. Isoeugenol
Rich exotic floral with natural isoeugenol as one of many components; banana, ylang floral, sweet, balsamic — less specifically carnation
Odour Threshold / IFRA
Complex natural EO · IFRA restricts Ylang-Ylang EO separately · Contains multiple EU allergens including isoeugenol, linalool, geraniol
Use With Isoeugenol
Natural complement: Ylang EO contributes natural isoeugenol context; add pure isoeugenol for targeted carnation character enhancement
Pakistan Application
Natural source claim for isoeugenol character (0.3–0.5% in EO); available at bioshop.pk/products/ylang-ylang-essential-oil for natural product lines
Verdict: Natural source of isoeugenol character for "natural fragrance" label claims. Use Ylang-Ylang EO when natural claim is required — but note that the EO itself carries multiple EU allergens and its own IFRA restrictions. Calculate all allergens from EO composition data.
Safety & Regulations
IFRA & Safety Overview
Educational summary of publicly available regulatory data as of 2024. Always consult the current IFRA Standards (51st Amendment), the ingredient Safety Data Sheet, RIFM Safety Database, and a qualified safety assessor before commercial product launch. This document does not constitute regulatory or safety advice. Calculate all IFRA compliance from compound concentration to finished product concentration for each product category.
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IFRA 51st Amendment — RESTRICTED Material
Isoeugenol (CAS 97-54-1) is a Restricted material under the IFRA 51st Amendment (June 2023), classified as a confirmed skin sensitiser (Category 1A, GHS). Category-specific maximum concentrations in the finished product include: Cat.4 fine fragrance EDP/EDT ~0.11%; Cat.5A body lotion/cream ~0.01%; Cat.5B body oil/hair oil ~0.06%; Cat.5C hand cream ~0.05%; Cat.6 shampoo/rinse-off hair ~0.12%; Cat.9 bar soap ~0.58%; Cat.10A home spray/diffuser ~0.41%. Back-calculation from compound percentage to finished product percentage is mandatory. Example: 0.10% in compound at 20% EDP usage = 0.020% in finished product (within Cat.4 ~0.11% limit). Consult the official IFRA standard for binding limits.
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EU Allergen — Mandatory Declaration (EU Reg. 2023/1545)
Isoeugenol is listed under EU Regulation 2023/1545 (Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation) as a mandatory declarable fragrance allergen. Pakistani manufacturers exporting to EU or UK markets must declare "ISOEUGENOL" in the INCI ingredient list when present above 0.001% (10 ppm) in leave-on products and above 0.01% (100 ppm) in rinse-off products. UK Pakistani diaspora attar and personal care exporters to the UK must comply. For oral care, the threshold is 0.003%. Pakistan domestic market currently has no equivalent mandatory declaration requirement, but IFRA compliance is strongly recommended as professional best practice.
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Pakistan DRAP & Halal — Fully Compliant
No specific restriction under Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) cosmetic guidelines. IFRA standards serve as best-practice reference. Halal status is unambiguous: commercial isoeugenol is produced via base-catalysed isomerisation of eugenol, which is itself derived from the steam distillation of clove bud — a 100% plant-origin material. No animal-derived reagents, solvents, enzymes, fermentation organisms, or animal-based catalysts are involved at any stage. The sodium/potassium hydroxide catalyst and sulfuric acid used in acidification are entirely inorganic. Pakistani formulators may use commercial isoeugenol with complete Halal confidence. Bio Shop™ Pakistan can provide Halal compatibility documentation on request.
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Human Safety Profile — Skin Sensitisation Concern
Dermal sensitisation is the primary safety concern: isoeugenol is a confirmed Category 1A sensitiser (GHS) based on animal LLNA studies and human repeat insult patch test (HRIPT) data. Acute oral LD₅₀ in rats ≈1,560 mg/kg (moderate toxicity). FEMA GRAS 2468 for food flavouring. The phenolic hydroxyl group enables the molecule to bind covalently to skin proteins after oxidative activation — the mechanism behind sensitisation. This does NOT mean it cannot be used in consumer products; it means IFRA concentration limits must be respected to manage cumulative sensitisation risk. Use nitrile gloves and eye protection when handling neat material. Never apply undiluted to skin. Do not use in children's products.
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Incompatible Applications — Critical Restrictions
Isoeugenol must NOT be used in candle applications (wax matrix incompatibility under heat) or in shower gel / liquid bath surfactant bases (unpredictable behaviour in certain surfactant systems). These are specific formulation incompatibilities distinct from IFRA category restrictions. Pakistani home fragrance formulators creating candle-format spiced-floral compositions should substitute with Benzyl Salicylate or Coumarin for the spice-floral character. Metal containers, copper, and iron must be avoided — even trace metal ions catalyse rapid oxidative discolouration and degradation of isoeugenol. High-pH soap bases (pH >10) may cause phenolate formation and discolouration; test before commercial use.
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Environmental — Readily Biodegradable
Isoeugenol is readily biodegradable in aerobic aquatic systems and shows low aquatic toxicity at typical consumer product dilutions — an environmental profile significantly better than many synthetic musk materials. The phenolic structure enables bacterial ring-opening degradation under aerobic conditions. At typical consumer product use levels and the concentrations reaching wastewater after product rinse-off, real-world aquatic impact is negligible. Formulators of rinse-off products in Karachi and Lahore may use isoeugenol without environmental restriction concerns at IFRA-compliant levels. Dispose of waste concentrate responsibly; do not pour concentrated material directly to drain.
Handling & Storage
Storing in Pakistan's Climate
Temperature
5–20°C ideal; max 25°C. Avoid above 30°C for extended periods. Oxidation and colour change accelerate significantly above 35°C — always store in air-conditioned environment
Container Type
Sealed amber glass (UV protection) mandatory — never clear glass. HDPE acceptable. NEVER copper, brass, or iron — even trace metals catalyse rapid oxidative degradation. PTFE-lined caps recommended
Light Exposure
Primary degradation risk — photooxidation turns pale yellow to orange-red within days of direct sunlight. Amber glass essential. Inner room or dark cupboard mandatory. Even indirect light accelerates colour change over weeks
Shelf Life (sealed)
2–3 years sealed at 15–20°C in dark storage. Once opened: 6–12 months with immediate resealing, cool/dark, low humidity. Orange-red colour or sharp medicinal off-note = degraded; discard
Measuring Technique
Slightly viscous — use a warm pipette or glass dropper to aid flow. Use the 10% DPG pre-dilution for all compound levels below 1%: use a 0.01g precision balance. Pure material at >1% in compound: 0.01g balance is sufficient
Atmosphere Control
Nitrogen-purged headspace for long-term bulk storage. Argon blanket for opened bottles used over weeks. Minimise headspace in partially-used bottles by transferring to smaller amber glass containers immediately after decanting
Lahore Summer (May–Sep)
Temperatures 40–45°C. Refrigerated storage (5–15°C) strongly recommended June–September. Ensure bottles are tightly sealed before cold storage to prevent moisture condensation on warming. Never leave in vehicles during summer heat. Use cold packs for transport
Karachi Coastal Climate
High humidity 70–90% RH year-round. Seal immediately after each use with PTFE-lined caps. Desiccant packets in storage area. Air-conditioned storeroom essential — humidity combined with heat accelerates oxidation dramatically. Check containers for moisture condensation periodically
⚠ Purity verification: Genuine isoeugenol (≥97% GC) is a pale yellow, slightly viscous oily liquid. Density: 1.076–1.083 g/cm³ at 25°C (weigh 1.00 mL — lighter = diluted with DPG or paraffin). Blotter test: pure material smells smoothly sweet-spicy with clear carnation-floral character and soft clove warmth. Pronounced phenolic bite or medicinal sharpness = eugenol adulteration. Orange or red colour in fresh material = old/oxidised stock; discard. Always request batch GC Certificate of Analysis (CoA) showing isoeugenol peak ≥97% and eugenol below 1.0%.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Isoeugenol Halal? What is its exact synthesis origin?+
Commercial isoeugenol is unconditionally Halal. The synthesis chain: (1) Eugenol is extracted from clove bud oil (Syzygium aromaticum) by steam distillation — a 100% plant-origin material that is itself widely used in Unani medicine and acknowledged as Halal in Islamic jurisprudence. (2) Eugenol is dissolved in concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide (both inorganic mineral salts; no animal origin) to form the eugenolate salt. (3) Heating at 100–150°C causes a 1,3-proton shift — the allyl group migrates one carbon closer to the aromatic ring via a resonance-stabilised carbanion mechanism — converting eugenol to isoeugenol. (4) Dilute sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid (both inorganic; no animal origin) protonates the phenolate to release free isoeugenol. (5) Vacuum distillation achieves ≥97% GC purity. No animal-derived reagents, solvents, fermentation organisms, enzymes, or animal-origin catalysts are involved at any stage. No ethanol. No haram (impermissible) substance is present in the final product. Bio Shop™ Pakistan can provide Halal compatibility documentation on request for professional accounts.
How do I verify purity and detect adulterants when buying Isoeugenol in Pakistan?+
Four practical field verification methods. First, the blotter smell test: dilute your sample at 1% in DPG and evaluate on a smelling strip. Pure isoeugenol at 1% should smell smoothly sweet-spicy with a clear carnation-floral character and soft clove warmth — not the sharp, dental-medicinal bite of eugenol. If your sample smells predominantly like dental cloves or has a pronounced phenolic sharpness, suspect eugenol adulteration above 10%. Second, the density test: weigh 1.00 mL using a calibrated glass syringe and a 0.001g balance — pure isoeugenol should measure 1.076–1.083g per mL. A reading below 1.070 indicates dilution with a lighter solvent (DPG = 1.023, paraffin <0.900). Third, the colour test: fresh fragrance-grade isoeugenol is pale yellow. An orange or red-orange colour in a freshly opened container indicates oxidative degradation or aged/impure material — do not use. Fourth, request a batch GC Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from your supplier showing isoeugenol as the dominant peak at ≥97%, eugenol below 1.0%, and no anomalous peaks. Bio Shop™ Pakistan provides CoA with every delivery.
How should I store Isoeugenol in Pakistan's hot and humid climate?+
Storage requires active management of two climate threats: heat and humidity. For Lahore's extreme summer heat (40–45°C from June–September): refrigerated storage at 5–15°C is strongly recommended during these months; ensure bottles are tightly sealed before placing in the refrigerator (to prevent condensation on warming after removal); never leave isoeugenol in vehicles during summer; use insulated cold packs for any transport. For Karachi's coastal humidity (70–90% RH year-round): seal containers immediately after each use with PTFE-lined caps; keep in an air-conditioned storeroom; use silica gel desiccant packets near the storage area. For both cities: always use sealed amber glass bottles (never clear glass — isoeugenol turns orange-red within days of sunlight exposure); avoid copper, brass, or iron containers entirely; minimise headspace in partially-used bottles by transferring to smaller amber glass immediately. Under proper conditions: 2–3 years shelf life sealed from manufacture date; 6–12 months once opened. Primary warning sign of degradation: colour shift from pale yellow to orange-red, or development of sharp medicinal off-note.
Should I use pure Isoeugenol or the 10% DPG pre-dilution? How does IFRA compliance work in practice?+
For almost all Pakistani attar and personal care formulation applications, the 10% DPG pre-dilution is strongly recommended. IFRA limits for isoeugenol are very low in most leave-on categories (Cat.5A body lotion ~0.01% finished product), which means actual isoeugenol levels in a compound are often below 1% — making accurate measurement of pure material impractical without a 0.001g analytical balance. The 10% DPG pre-dilution enables accurate measurement with a standard 0.01g digital balance. IFRA back-calculation in practice: Step 1 — determine your compound's isoeugenol percentage (e.g., 2g of 10% DPG solution in 100g compound = 0.20% actual isoeugenol). Step 2 — determine your finished product usage rate (e.g., 20% compound in EDP = 0.20% × 20% = 0.040% isoeugenol in finished EDP). Step 3 — compare against IFRA Cat.4 limit (~0.11%). At 0.040%, you are compliant. Repeat for every restricted material in the formula independently. Pure isoeugenol is appropriate for compound levels above 1% (primarily bar soap applications where Cat.9 ~0.58% allows more headroom), or for professional research use. The 10% DPG dilution available from Bio Shop™ Pakistan at bioshop.pk/products/iso-eugenol-10-in-dpg is the recommended format for all trace-level formulation work.
Some people say they cannot smell Isoeugenol's carnation character at IFRA-compliant levels. Is this true?+
This concern is understandable but largely unfounded for most formulators and consumers. Isoeugenol has a detection threshold of approximately 1–3 parts per billion in air — at compliant compound levels of 0.05–0.1%, it is comfortably above its perception threshold for the vast majority of people. At these levels, it functions as a soft spice-floral modifier and rose-enhancer rather than a dominant carnation lead note — which is actually the correct artistic use of the material in modern formulation. The reality is that very high isoeugenol concentrations (1–5%, as used in vintage formulas pre-IFRA restrictions) produced a clove-phenolic character that was often overpowering; the current restricted levels are actually closer to the optimal perceptual range for the carnation-floral facet. There is one genuine exception: approximately 5–10% of the population exhibits reduced sensitivity to isoeugenol specifically (selective anosmia/hyposmia). These individuals may perceive the carnation character as weaker or absent. For Pakistani perfumers conducting consumer panels on Qaranfil-marketed attars, include enough participants to account for this variation, particularly if marketing strongly on the carnation note.
Does EU allergen regulation restrict Isoeugenol? What about export to Europe or the UK?+
Yes — isoeugenol is a mandatory declared allergen under EU Regulation 2023/1545 (updating Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation). For EU or UK export products: the INCI name "ISOEUGENOL" must appear in the ingredient list when present above 0.001% (10 ppm) in leave-on products (fragrances, body lotions, hair oils) and above 0.01% (100 ppm) in rinse-off products (shampoos, bar soaps). For oral care products, the declaration threshold is 0.003%. Pakistani fragrance entrepreneurs exporting through UK diaspora channels, Gulf-country distributors with EU access, or direct European e-commerce must ensure allergen labelling compliance. For Pakistan domestic market: no equivalent mandatory declaration requirement currently exists, and you may use isoeugenol freely within IFRA limits without allergen labelling obligations. Monitor regulatory developments through IFRA's update portal. Under IFRA 51st Amendment, isoeugenol is restricted (not prohibited) — it remains a legal, commercially used material across all markets when used at or below category-specific concentration limits.
Which Pakistani consumer segments respond best to Isoeugenol-based compositions?+
Three Pakistani consumer segments show the strongest commercial engagement with isoeugenol-based compositions. First, the wedding market (25–45 age bracket in Lahore and Karachi): this segment associates the spiced-floral carnation character with celebratory occasions, cultural heritage, and quality — they actively seek substantive, long-lasting fragrances that project on fabric (shalwar kameez, dupattas) throughout mehndi and barat events. The Qaranfil note registers as "the real thing" to this segment. Second, Eid gifting consumers across all urban centres: the carnation-spice profile aligns precisely with the warm, celebratory aesthetic of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha attars — isoeugenol-based compositions carry cultural significance as "Eid ki khushbu." Third, heritage fragrance enthusiasts (45+ age bracket) and attar collectors who associate classical carnation compositions with the "golden age" of Pakistani and South Asian fragrance from the 1950s–1980s — this segment actively seeks the Qaranfil character that has been reduced in reformulated international fragrances. Younger consumers (18–28) in urban centres tend to prefer fresher tropical or aquatic profiles; isoeugenol at sub-threshold levels works well as invisible spice infrastructure in compositions marketed to this younger segment without overtly identifying as carnation.
What Urdu brand names work for Isoeugenol compositions? How does it perform in Pakistan's summer heat?+
Recommended Urdu naming vocabulary for isoeugenol-featuring compositions draws on the classical carnation (Qaranfil) tradition and spice heritage: Qaranfil-e-Shahi (شاہی قرنفل — Royal Carnation), Phoolon ka Baadshah (پھولوں کا بادشاہ — King of Flowers), Masaledar Gulab (مسالیدار گلاب — Spiced Rose), Eid ki Khushbu (عید کی خوشبو — Fragrance of Eid), Qaranfil-e-Lahore (قرنفلِ لاہور — Lahore's Carnation), Rang-e-Bahar (رنگِ بہار — Colour of Spring), and Qaranfil-e-Mughal (قرنفلِ مغل — Mughal Carnation) for premium heritage positioning. For hot-weather performance: isoeugenol's substantivity means it persists on skin even when volatile top notes evaporate rapidly in 40°C+ Lahore summer heat — this is a genuine asset for longevity marketing. However, heat also amplifies the initial spice impression, which can become overwhelming in undiluted attars at high Pakistani summer temperatures. For summer formulations, use isoeugenol at the lower end of the range (0.05–0.1% in compound) paired with fresh-floral materials (Linalool, D-Limonene, Benzyl Acetate) to balance the spice against summer heat. For winter and wedding season (Lahore November–February is the premium attar season), isoeugenol can be used at higher compound levels since cooler temperatures allow the full carnation complexity to develop more gracefully.
Everything on this page and substantially more — complete chemical synthesis mechanism (base-catalysed allylic isomerisation with step-by-step diagrams), full structure-odour relationship analysis of the trans vs. cis isomer contributions, comprehensive RIFM safety assessment data including LLNA sensitisation studies and HRIPT data, landmark perfume history from Bellodgia (Caron, 1927) through Opium (YSL, 1977) with isoeugenol's role in each, natural occurrence across betel leaf, ylang-ylang, clove, and rose absolute, FEMA GRAS 2468 food flavouring data, classical pairing analyses with six documented synergy combinations, historical context on isoeugenol's role in vanillin manufacture (the Haarmann synthesis of the 1870s), detailed IFRA compliance back-calculation worked examples for all major product categories, Unani medicine context on Qaranfil as a classical hakim ingredient, and a complete glossary of 22 key aroma chemical and regulatory terms — all compiled in one professional reference document.
