Raspberry ketone methyl ether is a chemical compound derived from raspberry ketone with an additional methoxy group (-OCH₃) attached to its structure. This compound is primarily used as a fragrance and flavoring agent due to its sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of fresh raspberries. It finds applications in perfumes, cosmetics, and food products to enhance or impart a raspberry-like scent or flavor.

Chemical Composition and Structure

The chemical composition of raspberry ketone methyl ether includes:

Raspberry Ketone: The base phenolic compound with the molecular formula C10H12O3.
Methoxy Group: An additional methoxy group (-OCH₃) attached to the raspberry ketone structure, modifying its aromatic properties.

The structure of raspberry ketone methyl ether is characterized by:

Methoxy Group: Bound to the raspberry ketone structure, altering its aromatic profile and enhancing its fruity, sweet character.
Molecular Formula: C11H14O3. The structure consists of the phenyl group from raspberry ketone, a carbonyl group (–C=O), a hydroxyl group (–OH), and a methoxy group (–OCH₃), resulting in a more intense and complex aroma.

Physical Properties

Raspberry ketone methyl ether typically appears as a clear, colorless or slightly yellow liquid. It has a strong, sweet, and fruity odor similar to fresh raspberries, with a slightly more complex nuance compared to unmodified raspberry ketone. The compound is soluble in alcohol and oils but has limited solubility in water. It features a boiling point and melting point that vary depending on production conditions and purity.

Production Process

The production process for raspberry ketone methyl ether includes:

Synthesis: Raspberry ketone methyl ether is produced through a methylation reaction of raspberry ketone. This reaction involves adding methanol or another methylating agent to raspberry ketone in the presence of a catalyst.
Distillation: The reaction mixture is distilled to separate raspberry ketone methyl ether from other by-products and residual reactants.
Purification: Further purification processes are applied to remove impurities and ensure that the final product meets quality standards.
Formulation: The purified raspberry ketone methyl ether is incorporated into various products, including fragrances, flavorings, and cosmetics.

Applications

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is used in:

Fragrances: Included in perfumes and scented products to impart a sweet, fruity raspberry aroma.
Flavorings: Added to food and beverage products to provide a raspberry-like flavor.
Cosmetics: Used in personal care products to enhance their fragrance profile.

Safety

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is generally considered safe for use in fragrances, flavorings, and cosmetics when used in recommended concentrations. It should be handled according to safety guidelines to prevent any potential irritation.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

The production of raspberry ketone methyl ether should follow environmentally responsible practices to minimize its impact. Whether synthesized or extracted, efficient methods should be employed to reduce waste. Proper handling and labeling are essential to ensure safe use in its various applications.

INCI


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Flavoring agent. The purpose of this ingredient is to modify the solution to impart a certain flavour. Natural flavouring extracts are rather expensive, so the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries resort to synthesised substances that have sensory characteristics mostly similar to natural flavourings or are naturally equivalent. This ingredient is isolated through chemical processes or is synthesised from chemicals. It is also referred to as Aroma.
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