Ethyl phenylacetate

Chemical properties

Ethyl Phenylacetate is a volatile aroma component of fruit and honey. It is a clear colourless to pale yellowish liquid with a pleasant, strong, sweet odor reminiscent of honey and a bittersweet flavor. Small amounts are used in flower perfumes and in fruit flavors.

Occurrence

Reported found in grapefruit juice, apple juice, figs, guava, pineapple, papaya, cognac, cider, grape wines and port wine.

The Uses of Ethyl phenylacetate

Ethyl phenylacetate was used to study the solvent-based self-healing of epoxy materials. It is also used as a flavoring agent, flavor animal feeds, In perfumery.

Preparation

Ethyl phenylacetate is prepared by heating at the boil phenylacetonitrile and sulfuric acid in alcohol solution; by esterification of the acid catalyzed by HCl or H2SO4.

Definition

ChEBI: Ethyl phenylacetate is a member of benzenes. It is a less toxic, greener solvent. It is non-mutagenic.

Aroma threshold values

Detection: 650 ppb

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 10 ppm: sweet, fruity, honey, cocoa, apple and woody

General Description

Ethyl phenylacetate is a less toxic, greener solvent. It is non-mutagenic.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Biochem/physiol Actions

Taste at 5 to 10 ppm

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. Combustible liquid. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also ESTERS.

Purification Methods

Shake the ester with saturated aqueous Na2CO3 (three times), aqueous 50% CaCl2 (twice) and saturated aqueous NaCl (twice). Dry with CaCl2 and distil it under reduced pressure. [Beilstein 9 H 434, 9 IV 1618.]