Phenyl ethyl alcohol (2-phenylethanol)

Phenyl ethyl alcohol, also called phenethyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol or PEA, is an aromatic alcohol and one of the main odour materials in rose oil. Most of the material sold for perfumery is made synthetically; some is produced by fermentation or isolated from natural sources.

• Formula: C8H10O
• CAS number: 60-12-8
• Molar mass: about 122.16 g/mol
• Boiling point: about 219 to 221 °C
• Melting point: about −27 °C
• Density: about 1.02 g/mL
• Solubility: slightly soluble in water, roughly 2 g per 100 mL; mixes with alcohol and most oils

Azlok lists Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol under aromatic raw materials. The name doesn't state a grade, so treat it as general aroma-chemical grade for perfume, attar, soap and agarbatti work. The product name doesn't give a pack size; check the listing. See today's price per kg.

• Perfumes and attars: the soft, petal-like heart of rose accords, and a blender in many floral fragrances.
• Soaps and detergents: stable in soap and common in rose and floral soap fragrances.
• Agarbatti and candles: part of rose and floral blends.
• Cosmetics: fragrance ingredient, and also used by formulators alongside preservatives in some products.
• Flavours (food grade only): in small amounts in flavourings, by licensed manufacturers.

PEA is a blending material. On its own the rose note is soft and a little thin; with citronellol and geraniol it becomes a recognisable rose.

1. Weigh materials in grams rather than counting drops.
2. Smell it as a 10% dilution in perfumer's alcohol to judge it properly.
3. A simple practice rose accord uses PEA as the largest part, with smaller amounts of citronellol and geraniol; adjust by smell.
4. Let blends rest a few days before judging.
5. For finished-product limits, check current IFRA standards for each product category.

Because it is slightly water-soluble, some of it can be lost into the water in rinse-off products and wet processes. It also evaporates fairly slowly, so it helps a rose note last through the heart of a perfume.

• It is harmful if swallowed and irritates eyes. Wear safety glasses and gloves when handling the neat liquid.
• Rinse eyes with plenty of water if splashed.
• Keep away from heat, flames and strong oxidisers.
• Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place; it is fairly stable but should be kept from air and light.
• Patch test finished skin products on a small area first.
• Keep away from children.

For perfumes, attars, soap and agarbatti, the aroma grade listed here is suitable. For any flavour use, buy food grade from a licensed seller instead. Hobby perfumers need only a small pack. Soap and agarbatti makers using rose blends every week use far more and save with larger packs. Ask for the specification and IFRA certificate if you sell finished products. For 25 kg and above, use the bulk inquiry form.