Lily

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Eugenol

E th e r
O CH2
H3C
A lk e n e
HO
A r o m a tic
A lc o h o l

Oil of cloves or eugenol is commonly used by dentists to kill germs in the

gums and relieve the pain of dental surgery such as tooth extractions, fillings,
and root canals because eugenol is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Moreover,
clove oil, as well as cinnamon, basil, and nutmeg oilseach of which also contain
eugenolare a common ingredient in mouthwashes, toothpastes, soaps, insect
repellents, perfumes, foods, and various veterinary medications (1). Eugenol
showed potent anthelmintic activity (2). This result may lend support for the
traditional use of the plant as an anthelmintic. Furthermore, eugenol, as its main
and active constituent, could be the putative anthelmintic principle in the
essential oil. Eugenol or oil of clove is already used to fight fungal infections of
the skin, ears, and vagina in some non-Western countries, but this treatment
can cause irritation and dermatitis so shouldnt be tried without the guidance of
a health-care practitioner (1).

Chemical and Physical Properties (3) (4)

Molecular Weight 164.204 g/mol

Formula CH2CH2CH2C6H3(OCH3)OH / C10H12O2
Physical Description clear to pale yellow oily liquid
Melting Point -9C
Boiling Point 254C
Density 1.067 g/mL at 25 C (lit.)
Water Solubility slightly soluble
Stability Stable. Combustible. Incompatible
with strong oxidizing agents. Light
sensitive
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Reference List
(1.) Broadhurst Leigh. Oil of Cloves: The Benefits of Eugenol Retrieved
from http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/eugenol
(2.) M.K. Asha, D. Prashanth, B. Murali, R. Padmaja, A. Amit. Anthelmintic
activity of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol. August 2001.
Volume 72, Issue 6, Pages 669670 Retrieved from
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0367326X010027
02
(3.) EUGENOL [2-METHOXY-4-(2-PROPENYL) PHENOL].
Chemicalland21.com. Retrieved from
http://www.chemicalland21.com/specialtychem/perchem/EUGENOL.ht
m
(4.) Eugenol | 97-53-0. Chemicalbook.com. Retrieved from
http://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB7208
326.htm