Food & Beverage / Solution Family

Solvents – Oxygenated

Phenyl ethyl alcohol (2-phenylethanol), an aromatic alcohol that carries flavor and fragrance and contributes its own rose-like note.

Overview

The oxygenated solvent stocked here for food and beverage is phenyl ethyl alcohol (2-phenylethanol), an aromatic alcohol that carries flavor and fragrance and contributes its own rose-like note. It is partly water-soluble and fully miscible with oils and ethanol, so it dissolves and disperses flavor oils that water alone cannot. The FCC grade is the one to specify for food and beverage flavor work.

Most food solvents u2014 ethanol and propylene glycol u2014 are chosen because they are close to sensory-neutral. Phenyl ethyl alcohol is different: it is both the solvent and an active aroma. That is the trade-off to plan around. Used deliberately it builds a rose, honey, or floral character into a flavor or beverage; used only as a carrier it can push the profile in a direction you did not intend. Account for its sensory contribution in the formula, not just its solvency.

Phenyl ethyl alcohol is used in flavor and fragrance compounding and in beverage flavor systems, where the rose note is wanted. Where you need a neutral carrier instead, ethanol or propylene glycol are the usual choices and sit in separate product families. Specify the FCC grade, confirm odor and assay against your sensory standard on each lot, and dose to the aroma threshold rather than to a fixed solvent ratio.

Where it's used
  • Flavor and fragrance compounding where a rose or floral note is wanted
  • Carriage of oil-soluble flavor compounds into aqueous beverage systems
  • Aroma component in beverage flavor systems
  • Flavor-house intermediate for blended flavor and fragrance bases
Frequently asked questions
What is phenyl ethyl alcohol used for in food and beverage?
It is an aromatic alcohol (2-phenylethanol) used as an aroma solvent and flavor carrier. It dissolves oil-soluble flavor compounds for use in aqueous systems and, because it has a rose-like note of its own, it also contributes that character directly to a flavor or beverage.
Is phenyl ethyl alcohol a neutral solvent like ethanol or propylene glycol?
No. Ethanol and propylene glycol are chosen because they are close to sensory-neutral carriers. Phenyl ethyl alcohol is both a solvent and an active aroma, so it changes the flavor profile. Use it where the rose note is wanted, and reach for ethanol or propylene glycol when you need a neutral carrier.
Does RawSource supply phenyl ethyl alcohol (FCC) in bulk?
Yes. RawSource sources FCC-grade phenyl ethyl alcohol in bulk u2014 drums, totes and larger u2014 with TDS, SDS and COA documentation. Send your grade, volume and application for a bulk RFQ.
Disclaimer. Information on this page is provided for general reference and compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, and confirm regulatory status, classification, and suitability for your application and jurisdiction.
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