Swim is wondering if there is a way to test for isosafrole that does not involve heating it to 232C.
(iso)safrole was distilled via atmospheric pressure. Smell was different--similar to safrole but less 'potent'
How did you distill it at atmospheric pressure without heating it to 232 degress if i may ask? If you have some sort of vacuum gaze, i'd love to learn your tricks 8)
The smell sounds about right, but it's no guarantee that it is isosafrole you have. Sassafras oil is usually more pungent than pure safrole, so that could be the answer.
But generally the isomerations are very hard to fuck up, so you've most likely got the right stuff! It's quite an amount of KOH you used. 1-2% usually ssufficient; 10% is waaay overkill!
Good luck.
Regards
Bandil