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 an 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 odor. It is often used to impart a subtle, pleasant aroma in both flavors and fragrances. The intensity of its scent is moderate, making it suitable as a background note or modifier rather than a primary impact note. The odor threshold of benzyl alcohol is relatively low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Benzyl alcohol naturally occurs in a variety of essential oils, including jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang. It can also be found in certain fruits and teas. The compound is often formed through the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride or via the reduction of benzaldehyde. 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 a range of flavor applications, including confectionery, beverages, and baked goods. It serves as a solvent and a flavoring agent, enhancing the overall profile of the product. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 10 to 200 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. Benzyl alcohol is stable under normal processing conditions but may oxidize over time, affecting its flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, benzyl alcohol is used across various fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and woody compositions. It acts as a solvent, a fixative, and a modifier, enhancing the longevity and diffusion of the fragrance. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 5% in finished products, depending on the formulation. Benzyl alcohol contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Benzyl alcohol is approved by the FDA and is listed as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: It is included in the EU's list of flavoring substances (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008) with FL No. 02.007.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the UK aligns with EU regulations regarding benzyl alcohol.
• Asia: In Japan and China, benzyl alcohol is permitted for use in flavors and fragrances, subject to specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR recognize benzyl alcohol under harmonized regulations for flavor and fragrance use.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Benzyl alcohol is generally considered safe for use in both flavors and fragrances. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by JECFA. Dermal exposure in fragrances is regulated by IFRA, which provides guidelines to minimize irritation and sensitization risks. Inhalation exposure is typically low-risk due to its moderate 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 aromatic component. It synergizes well with floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to oxidize, which can alter the intended sensory profile. It is often under-used in formulations where a subtle, natural aroma is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on benzyl alcohol is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. While industry practices are generally consistent, some variability exists in concentration recommendations due to differing regional regulations. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily concerning long-term exposure effects.

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 2026-09-01 10:27:19 GMT (p2)