Thymol (CAS 89-83-8) is one of the few natural phenols that combines strong antimicrobial action with a pleasant, market-accepted odour – which is why it appears in oral care, food flavouring, feed additives and cosmetics. This guide covers practical application, specification and purchasing points for European and global buyers.
1. Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Basis
The phenolic hydroxyl of thymol disrupts microbial cell membranes, giving broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and fungi at low use levels. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting oils and fats from oxidation – a dual function that makes it valuable in feed and food-adjacent applications.
2. Application Overview
| Sector | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Oral care | Antiseptic mouthwash, toothpaste, throat lozenges |
| Pharmaceutical | Antiseptic preparations, rubefacient balms |
| Food & flavour | Thyme-type flavour, antioxidant within permitted limits |
| Animal feed | Gut-health and antimicrobial support |
| Cosmetics | Preservative booster, fragrance component |
| Industrial | Antimicrobial intermediate, stabilizer |
3. Specification and Quality Points
- Appearance and odour: white crystals with characteristic thymol odour.
- Assay and isomer profile (thymol vs carvacrol) – confirm by GC.
- Melting point ~49-51 °C, solubility in alcohol/oils.
- Heavy-metal and residual-solvent limits per intended use.
- Grade selection: pharma, food/flavour or technical.
4. European Supply: REACH
For EU customers, thymol must come from a REACH-registered supply chain. PolyblueChem supplies thymol with REACH available, together with COA and MSDS, so buyers can place it on the EU market for their applications.
5. Sourcing and Storage
- Packaging: 25 kg fibre drums or as required; keep sealed.
- Store cool, dry and well-ventilated; thymol is volatile and has a strong odour – segregate from odour-sensitive goods.
- Confirm shelf life and retest date on the COA.
6. FAQ
What is the difference between thymol and carvacrol?
They are structural isomers (both C10H14O); thymol is the 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol isomer. Purity specifications control the isomer ratio.
Is thymol REACH registered for the EU?
PolyblueChem can supply thymol with REACH registration available; request documentation with your enquiry.
7. References and Further Reading
- Supplier COA and MSDS for the specific grade.
- EU REACH regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
This article is published for industrial and technical reference by PolyblueChem. Verify against the supplier’s COA and applicable legislation.
See our thymol REACH and EU supply guide and the thymol chemistry guide. PolyblueChem supplies thymol (CAS 89-83-8) with REACH available – contact us for specifications and quotations.