Phenylethyl Alcohol is spelled /fiːnaɪlˈɛθɪl ˈælkəhɒl/, with the first syllable pronounced like "fee", the final vowel in "ethyl" being pronounced as "i", and the final syllable stressed. This compound is a clear liquid with a pleasant floral odor used in the perfume industry. It is also used as a flavoring agent and preservative. The spelling of this word follows English pronunciation rules, with each letter representing a distinct sound in the IPA phonetic transcription.
Phenylethyl alcohol, also known as phenethyl alcohol or 2-phenylethanol, is an organic compound that belongs to the family of alcohols. It is colorless and has a pleasant, floral odor reminiscent of roses, which has led to its common use as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, perfumes, and soaps.
Chemically, phenylethyl alcohol consists of a benzene ring attached to an ethyl group (-CH2CH3). It can be synthesized through various methods, including the alkaline hydrolysis of benzyl cyanide, the reduction of acetophenone, or the fermentation of glucose by certain microorganisms.
Phenylethyl alcohol has a variety of applications due to its aromatic properties and low toxicity. Along with its use in fragrance products, it is also utilized as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, particularly in the production of rose-flavored items. Additionally, it can act as a preservative, helping to inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms.
In the field of organic chemistry, phenylethyl alcohol serves as a common starting material for the synthesis of various compounds, such as esters, ethers, and acetals. It is also employed in the production of pharmaceuticals, synthetic resins, and other chemicals.
While phenylethyl alcohol is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics and food products, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Therefore, it is important to consider any potential sensitivities when using products containing this ingredient.
The word "phenylethyl alcohol" can be broken down into two main components: "phenyl" and "ethyl alcohol".
1. "Phenyl": This term is derived from the word "phenol", which originates from the Greek word "phainomenon", meaning "appearing" or "to show". "Phenol" was coined by Charles Gerhardt, a French chemist, in 1841, by combining the Greek word "phainomenon" with the suffix "-ol" (indicating alcohol).
2. "Ethyl Alcohol": The term "ethyl" is derived from the Latin word "aether", meaning "upper air" or "heavenly". It was later used to refer to an alcohol derived from distilling fermented products.