Anethol.

C₁₀H₁₂O = 148.096.

Anethol, or para-methoxy-iso-allyl benzene, C₆H4(OCH3)C₃H5, is obtained from oil of anise. It occurs as a white, crystalline mass with the odour of oil of anise. Melting-point, 21.5° to 22°; when melted it is a strongly refractive colourless liquid. Specific gravity, 0.984 to 0.986, at 25°. Boiling-point, 233° to 234°. Optically inactive. When evaporated on a water-bath it leaves nearly 10 per cent. of a non-volatile odourless polymer.

Slightly soluble in water, readily soluble in alcohol or ether.

Action and Uses.—Anethol has the action of essential oils generally, and may be used as a carminative and expectorant.

Dose.—3 to 18 centimils (0.03 to 0.18 milliliters) (½ to 3 minims).

The British Pharmaceutical Codex, 1911, was published by direction of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.