What Is 2-Phenethyl propionate

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: 2-Phenethyl propionate is an organic ester compound with the molecular formula C11H14O2, commonly used in flavor and fragrance applications due to its honey-like, floral aroma. It is formed by the esterification of phenethyl alcohol and propionic acid. The compound is generally recognized as safe for use in food by regulatory bodies like the FDA when used in small quantities.

Key Facts

2-Phenethyl propionate has the molecular formula C11H14O2 and a molecular weight of 178.23 g/mol
It is synthesized through esterification of phenethyl alcohol and propionic acid, typically using acid catalysis
The compound exhibits a sweet, honey-like, floral odor, making it valuable in perfumery and flavoring
It is approved by the FDA as a food additive under the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) GRAS list (FEMA 2855)
2-Phenethyl propionate is commonly found in fruit flavors, especially in formulations mimicking strawberry and honey notes

Overview

2-Phenethyl propionate is an organic ester widely used in the flavor and fragrance industry for its pleasant, sweet, floral aroma. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid that is soluble in alcohol and oils but poorly soluble in water, making it ideal for perfumes and oil-based flavor systems.

The compound is primarily valued for its ability to enhance fruity and floral notes in consumer products. It is often used in combination with other esters to create complex scent profiles in cosmetics, soaps, and food flavorings.

Chemical structure: It consists of a phenethyl group attached to a propionate ester, giving it both aromatic and aliphatic characteristics that contribute to its unique scent profile.
Odor threshold: The compound has a low odor threshold of approximately 0.01 parts per million, making it highly effective even in trace concentrations in fragrance formulations.
Production method: It is typically synthesized via Fischer esterification, using phenethyl alcohol and propionic acid under acidic conditions with sulfuric acid as a catalyst.
Stability: 2-Phenethyl propionate is stable under normal storage conditions but may degrade when exposed to strong oxidizing agents or prolonged UV light.
Regulatory status: It is listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA and FEMA, allowing its use in food products at concentrations up to 5 parts per million.

How It Works

The functionality of 2-Phenethyl propionate lies in its molecular interaction with olfactory receptors and its solubility properties in various media. Its ester bond allows for controlled release of aroma in different environments.

Volatility: With a boiling point of 232°C (450°F), it evaporates slowly, providing long-lasting fragrance in perfumes and air fresheners.
Solubility: It is highly soluble in ethanol and fixed oils, allowing seamless integration into cosmetic and fragrance bases without emulsifiers.
Odor profile: Described as honey-like, floral, and slightly fruity, it enhances notes in strawberry, jasmine, and rose fragrance accords.
Metabolism: In vivo, it is hydrolyzed into phenethyl alcohol and propionic acid, both of which are naturally occurring and metabolized safely by the human body.
Shelf life: When stored in airtight, light-resistant containers, it maintains stability for up to 24 months at room temperature.
Safety profile: It has an LD50 (oral, rat) of 4,500 mg/kg, indicating low toxicity and high safety margin for consumer use.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares 2-Phenethyl propionate with similar esters commonly used in flavor and fragrance applications:

Compound	Odor Profile	Boiling Point (°C)	Solubility in Water	Common Use
2-Phenethyl propionate	Honey, floral, fruity	232	Low	Perfumes, fruit flavors
2-Phenethyl acetate	Rose, honey	218	Low	Floral fragrances
Propyl propionate	Fruity, rum-like	122	Moderate	Alcoholic beverages
Isopentyl acetate	Banana	142	Very low	Candy, fruit flavors
Benzyl benzoate	Balsamic, faint floral	323	Very low	Fixative in perfumes

This comparison highlights how 2-Phenethyl propionate occupies a niche in mid-volatility esters with strong floral notes. Its higher boiling point compared to acetates allows for longer scent persistence, while its low water solubility makes it ideal for oil-based systems.

Why It Matters

2-Phenethyl propionate plays a significant role in creating natural-identical flavors and fragrances that meet consumer demand for clean-label products. Its ability to mimic natural scents without using actual plant extracts makes it cost-effective and sustainable.

Flavor enhancement: Used in strawberry, honey, and peach flavor formulations to add depth and realism to artificial flavors.
Perfumery: Adds a sweet, floral base note in fine fragrances and enhances longevity when blended with top and middle notes.
Cost efficiency: Synthetic production is more economical than extracting natural phenethyl derivatives from rose or honey sources.
Regulatory compliance: Its GRAS status allows broad use in food, beverages, and cosmetics without extensive safety testing in each application.
Sustainability: Reduces reliance on natural resources like rose oil, which requires thousands of petals to produce a small amount of essential oil.
Consumer safety: Extensive toxicological studies confirm it is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and safe for use in leave-on and rinse-off products.

As demand for natural-identical ingredients grows, 2-Phenethyl propionate remains a cornerstone in flavor and fragrance chemistry due to its safety, effectiveness, and versatility.