Chavicol

 ( 4-hydroxyphenyl Compounds ) 

Chavicol ( p-allylphenol) is a natural phenylpropene, a type of organic compound. Its chemical structure consists of a benzene ring substituted with a hydroxy group and a propenyl group. It is a colorless liquid found together with in betel oil.

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Properties and reactions Chavicol is miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, and chloroform. Dimerization of chavicol gives the neo-lignan magnolol.

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Uses Chavicol is used as an odorant in perfumery and as a flavor. It is found in many essential oils, including anise and gardenia.

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Biosynthesis Chavicol is formed in sweet basil ( Ocimum Basilicum) by the phenylpropanoid pathway via p-coumaryl alcohol. The allylic alcohol in p-coumaryl alcohol is converted into a leaving group. This then leaves thus forming a cation, this cation can be regarded as a quinone methide which then is reduced by NADPH to form either anol or chavicol.

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See also

• Estragole, the methyl ether
• Safrole, a methylenedioxy analog

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