Iranian Knowledge-Based Firm Produces Main Ingredient of Perfumery

The main ingredient of rose water is 2-phenylethanol, which is used in various industries, including perfumery, pharmaceutical and food industries, and is considered as one of the knowledge-based achievements of this company. This product was produced through a new laboratory method and has received a science-based award for it.

2-Phenylethanol is one of the main components of many perfumes due to its sweet and floral smell. This substance gives depth and richness to perfumes and increases the durability of their smell, and it is also used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in the pharmaceutical industry. This substance helps to increase the shelf life of medicines and prevents the growth of bacteria.

2-Phenylethanol is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent for some food products and gives them a pleasant aroma and taste.

Phenethyl alcohol, or 2-phenylethanol, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5CH2CH2OH. It is a colourless liquid with a pleasant floral odor. It occurs widely in nature, being found in a variety of essential oils. It is slightly soluble in water (2 ml per 100 ml of H2O), but miscible with most organic solvents. The molecule of phenethyl alcohol consists of a phenethyl group (C6H5CH2CH2−) attached to a hydroxyl group (−OH).

Phenethyl alcohol is prepared commercially via two routes. Most common is the Friedel-Crafts reaction between benzene and ethylene oxide in the presence of aluminium trichloride.

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