FlavScents AInsights Entry for Benzyl Alcohol (CAS: 100-51-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Benzyl Alcohol
• IUPAC Name: Phenylmethanol
• CAS Number: 100-51-6
• FEMA Number: 2137
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.007
• Molecular Formula: C7H8O
• Molecular Weight: 108.14 g/mol

Benzyl alcohol is a simple aromatic alcohol with a hydroxyl group attached to a benzene ring. This structure contributes to its mild, pleasant aroma, often described as slightly sweet and floral. The presence of the hydroxyl group is crucial for its solubility in water and its role as a solvent in various applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Benzyl alcohol is characterized by a mild, sweet, and slightly floral aroma. It is often used as a background note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a subtle sweetness and enhancing the overall profile of a formulation. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be perceived at minimal concentrations, which makes it effective as a modifier or enhancer in complex blends.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Benzyl alcohol naturally occurs in a variety of plants and is a component of essential oils such as jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang. It can also be formed through the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride or via fermentation processes. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Benzyl alcohol is utilized in various flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and sweet profiles. It serves as a solvent and a flavoring agent, enhancing the sweetness and depth of the flavor system. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 10 to 100 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially altering the flavor profile. It is stable under normal processing conditions but may oxidize over time, affecting its efficacy.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, benzyl alcohol is used across multiple fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and woody compositions. It acts as a solvent and a fixative, contributing to the longevity and diffusion of the fragrance. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 1% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity and role within the formulation. Its volatility places it primarily in the middle note category.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use. Approved for use in cosmetics and personal care products by the FDA.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in MERCOSUR countries, with specific guidelines varying by nation.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Benzyl alcohol is considered safe for use in food and cosmetics at recommended levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety with an ADI established by JECFA. Dermal exposure is generally well-tolerated, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure limits should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Benzyl alcohol is valued for its dual role as a solvent and a mild fragrance/flavor enhancer. It synergizes well with floral and fruity notes, providing a smooth transition between components. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to oxidize, which can lead to off-notes. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural designation due to its presence in many essential oils.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on benzyl alcohol is well-established, with comprehensive studies supporting its safety and efficacy. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in natural occurrence data due to differences in plant sources and extraction methods. Regulatory frameworks are generally harmonized, with minor regional variations.

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
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

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 2026-02-24 11:17:38 GMT (p2)