guaiacol

Guaiacol () is a naturally-occurring organic compound with the formula C6H4(OH)(OCH3). Although it is biosynthesized by a variety of organisms, this aromatic oil is usually derived from guaiacum or wood creosote. It is also found in essential oils from celery seeds, tobacco leaves, orange leaves, and lemon peels. It is colorless but samples become yellow upon exposure to air and light. Guaiacol is present in wood smoke, resulting from the pyrolysis of lignin. The compound contributes to the flavor ...