FlavScents AInsights Entry for 3-Phenyl Propyl Alcohol (CAS: 122-97-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 3-Phenyl propyl alcohol, Benzenepropanol
• IUPAC Name: 3-Phenylpropan-1-ol
• CAS Number: 122-97-4
• FEMA Number: 2887
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.013
• Molecular Formula: C9H12O
• Molecular Weight: 136.19 g/mol

3-Phenyl propyl alcohol is characterized by a benzene ring attached to a three-carbon aliphatic chain ending in a hydroxyl group. This structure contributes to its mild floral and slightly sweet odor, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

3-Phenyl propyl alcohol is known for its delicate floral aroma with sweet, honey-like nuances. It is often described as having a mild intensity and moderate diffusion, making it suitable as a background note in formulations. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a subtle yet noticeable effect even at low concentrations. It is typically used as a modifier to enhance the floral character of a composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

3-Phenyl propyl alcohol occurs naturally in various essential oils, including rose and hyacinth. It can also be formed through the enzymatic degradation of phenylalanine, a common amino acid, during fermentation processes. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in products labeled as containing "natural flavors" or "natural fragrances."

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, 3-phenyl propyl alcohol is used to impart floral and sweet notes, often in fruit and floral flavor profiles. It serves as a background realism enhancer and is typically used at concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 ppm in finished products. Stability is generally good under typical food processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

3-Phenyl propyl alcohol is utilized in various fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and chypre. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical usage levels range from 0.1% to 1% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity. Its moderate volatility allows it to bridge top and middle notes effectively.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.013.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 3-phenyl propyl alcohol is considered safe at typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but generally recognized as safe under GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, with no significant sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

3-Phenyl propyl alcohol is valued for its ability to enhance floral and sweet notes without overpowering a composition. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to become cloying if overused and should consider its stability under varying pH and temperature conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 3-phenyl propyl alcohol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are generally documented, some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in source material.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1-9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-02-26 16:59:45 GMT (p2)