phenoxyacetaldehyde 50% in benzyl alcohol

Phenoxyacetaldehyde, also referred to as cortex aldehyde or acetaldehyde, 2-phenoxy-, is an organic aromatic aldehyde with the molecular formula C₈H₈O₂. It appears as a solution at 50% concentration in benzyl alcohol, a common solvent in fragrance formulations. This compound is characterized by a distinct green and leafy fragrance quality, often described as fresh and reminiscent of hyacinth or ozone. It is indexed under several synonyms including 2-phenoxyethanal and NSC 49355. Phenoxyacetaldehyde is sourced primarily for perfumery purposes where it contributes to fresh outdoors and floral accords. The compound is catalogued in chemical databases such as PubChem under CID 75033.

Phenoxyacetaldehyde occurs synthetically and is valued in fragrance creation for its green cortical, hyacinth, and leather notes. It serves as an important ingredient in perfuming agents and can be found in formulations aimed at achieving fresh, natural outdoor scents as well as floral and leafy nuances such as lily of the valley and grass. The compound's usage is governed by IFRA (Global) standards, which recommend usage levels up to 2.0000% in fragrance concentrates. While it is primarily a fragrance agent, it is not intended for flavor use. Its compatibility with benzyl alcohol improves its application as a stable and effective ingredient in cosmetic products.

Phenoxyacetaldehyde exhibits specific physicochemical properties relevant to fragrance formulation. It has a moderate estimated log P value of 1.134, indicating balanced lipophilicity conducive to blending with typical cosmetic solvents. The specific gravity ranges narrowly from 1.12 to 1.14 at 25 °C, enabling consistent handling and dosing. Its refractive index between 1.545 and 1.565 at 20 °C helps in optical verification during analysis. The compound demonstrates low vapor pressure (0.113 mmHg at 25 °C), supporting moderate volatility essential for sustained fragrance release. It is soluble in alcohol and estimated to dissolve in water at about 10,480 mg/L at 25 °C, although insoluble in pure water, reflecting solvation dynamics influenced by the benzyl alcohol medium. The flash point is 185 °F (85 °C), indicating a relatively safe handling profile under typical conditions.

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Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
Recommendation for phenoxyacetaldehyde 50% in benzyl alcohol usage levels up to:
	2.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Recommendation for phenoxyacetaldehyde 50% in benzyl alcohol flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

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Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):2120-70-9

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :75033

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:2

2-phenoxyacetaldehyde

Chemidplus:0002120709

RTECS:AB2990000 for cas# 2120-70-9