phenethyl alcohol

Phenethyl alcohol (also known as 2‑phenylethanol) is an aromatic primary alcohol with the chemical formula C8H10O. It is a colorless liquid with a pleasant floral, rose-like odor and occurs naturally in various essential oils such as rose and carnation. Phenethyl alcohol is widely used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics, as well as a flavoring agent in food products. In pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, it serves primarily as an antimicrobial preservative due to its broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and fungi. Its mechanism of action involves disruption of microbial cell membranes leading to cell death; however, it is not selective for any specific molecular target or receptor[1][3][4][5]. It is also used industrially for its scent properties in soaps and cleaning products.

Brand names

Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol

Other names

phenylethyl alcohol2-phenylethanolphenylethanolbenzyl carbinolbeta phenylethanolbeta-phenylethanolcarbinol, benzyl