Some science behind the scenes
Phenols
In organic chemistry, phenols, sometimes called phenolics, are a class of chemical compounds consisting of a hydroxyl group (—OH) bonded directly to an aromatic hydrocarbon group. The simplest of the class is phenol, which is also called carbolic acid. Synonyms are arenols or aryl alcohols. Phenolic compounds are synthesized industrially; they also are produced by plants and microorganisms, with variation between and within species.
Naturally occurring
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Cannabinoids |
the active constituents of cannabis |
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Capsaicin |
the pungent compound of chili peppers |
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Carvacrol |
found in, i.a., oregano; |
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Cresol |
found in coal tar and creosote |
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Estradiol |
estrogen - hormones |
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Eugenol |
the main constituent of the essential oil of clove |
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Guaiacol |
(2-methoxyphenol) - has a smokey flavor, and is found in roasted coffee, whisky, and smoke |
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Methyl salicylate |
the major constituent of the essential oil of wintergreen |
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Salicylic acid |
precursor compound to Aspirin (chemical synthesis is used in manufacturing) |
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Serotonin / dopamine / adrenaline / noradrenaline |
natural neurotransmitters |
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Thymol |
(2-Isopropyl-5-methyl phenol) - found in thyme; |
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Tyrosine |
an amino acid |
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Sesamol |
a naturally occurring compound found in sesame seeds |
Synthetic
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Phenol |
the parent compound, used as a disinfectant and for chemical synthesis |
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BHT |
(butylated hydroxytoluene) - a fat-soluble antioxidant and food additive |
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Orthophenyl phenol |
a fungicide used for waxing citrus fruits |
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Phenolphthalein |
pH indicator |
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Xylenol |
used in antiseptics & disinfecticides |
Drugs, present and past
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Diethylstilbestrol |
a synthetic estrogen with a stilbene structure; no longer marketed |
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L-DOPA |
a dopamine prodrug used to treat Parkinson's Disease |
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Propofol |
a short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent |
Observations
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