Benzyl phenylacetate (CAS 102-16-9) — Floral Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Benzyl phenylacetate
CAS 102-16-9
What Is Benzyl phenylacetate?
Benzyl phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient commonly found in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. It contributes to floral and honey-like scent profiles. This ester is valued for its ability to enhance floral compositions while adding a subtle sweetness that persists on the skin.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Benzyl phenylacetate Smell Like?
Benzyl phenylacetate opens with a rich, honeyed floral character reminiscent of night-blooming jasmine with a narcotic sweetness. The heart reveals a creamy, powdery nuance akin to heliotrope petals dusted with vanilla sugar. As it dries down, it leaves a warm, slightly balsamic trail that blends seamlessly with woody notes. The overall effect is like dipping a gardenia blossom in golden honey – opulent yet never cloying, with remarkable tenacity on fabric.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a honeyed floral bridge between the rose-jasmine heart and sandalwood base, adding voluptuousness.
Provides the powdery-sweet facet that softens the carnation spice and complements the musk base.
Enhances the floral bouquet with a honeyed warmth that balances the aldehydic sparkle.
Contributes to the oriental vanilla-amber drydown with its persistent balsamic sweetness.
Forms the creamy floral core that defines this classic feminine fragrance.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: O=C(CC1=CC=CC=C1)OCC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Benzyl phenylacetate is an ester formed from benzyl alcohol and phenylacetic acid. Industrially produced via Fischer esterification, it’s a stable aromatic compound with excellent shelf life. The phenylacetyl moiety contributes to its honeyed character while the benzyl group enhances diffusion. Though chiral centers exist in the molecule, commercial material is typically racemic. Its relatively simple structure makes it cost-effective for large-scale production while delivering complex olfactory effects.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 320 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.1 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | >100 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.553-1.558 |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 2-5% | Up to 10% | Floral enhancer |
| Soap | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Stable in alkaline media |
| Detergents | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Cost-effective floralcy |
| Candles | 3-8% | Up to 12% | Good hot throw |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to round out sharp floral notes and add natural-seeming sweetness without sugariness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More rosy with less honey, preferred when a drier floral effect is desired.
Brighter, fruitier floral with less sweetness and body.
For a greener, more diffusive hyacinth character without the honeyed depth.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions (as of Amendment 49).
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, benzyl phenylacetate has minimal environmental impact compared to natural alternatives like honey absolute. Production from renewable benzyl alcohol sources is being explored. Its efficiency means lower usage rates are required compared to natural extracts, reducing overall ecological footprint.
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References
- Bauer, K. et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured.
- IFRA Standards Library (2023). Amendment 49. IFRA
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID6024597
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 226.275 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.094 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 320.75 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -9.1 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 195.1 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.571 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 202.941 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.479 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.847 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.847 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 7.78 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 10.223 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 41.653 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 142.209 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 26.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 66.697 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 26.441 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
