Pronunciation: [ɐbsˈɪnθɒl] (IPA) 
Absinthol is a flavor compound found in the alcoholic beverage absinthe. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "ab" is pronounced /æb/ as in "cab," followed by "sin" pronounced /sɪn/ as in "sinful." The next syllable "thol" is pronounced /θɑl/ as in "thaw" with an "l" sound at the end. Together, the word is pronounced /ˈæb.sɪn.θɑl/.
Absinthol refers to a chemical compound that is characteristic and unique to the well-known alcoholic beverage absinthe. It is classified as a terpene, a large and diverse class of organic compounds, and specifically belongs to the sesquiterpenes subgroup. This compound is primarily responsible for the distinct taste and aroma associated with absinthe, often described as bitter, herbal, and anise-like.
Chemically, absinthol is known by its systematic name as (5S,5aR,8aS)-5,8,8-trimethyl-2-methylene-decahydro-1-naphthalenol. It has a complex molecular structure featuring bulky substituents and a naphthalene ring system, which contributes to its unique characteristics.
Absinthol is believed to be derived from the plants used to make absinthe, particularly Artemisia absinthium, commonly known as wormwood. It is believed to be one of the many naturally occurring secondary metabolites produced by these plants, potentially acting as a defense mechanism against pests due to its bitter and unpleasant taste.
Absinthol has gained particular attention because of its purported psychoactive effects. While traditional absinthe was thought to possess hallucinogenic properties due to the presence of other compounds, such as thujone, absinthol itself does not have significant psychoactive properties. It is primarily valued for its contribution to the overall sensory experience, enhancing the flavor and aroma of absinthe.
The chief constituent (C10H16O) of oil of wormwood, identical with thuyol and tanacetol.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "absinthol" is derived from the term "absinthe", which refers to a highly alcoholic and anise-flavored spirit. The suffix "ol" in absinthol is commonly used in the field of chemistry to indicate the presence of an alcohol functional group (-OH). Hence, absinthol can be understood as a specific alcohol compound that is associated with or found in absinthe.
