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. Its structure contributes to its mild, pleasant aroma, often described as slightly sweet and floral. This functional group is crucial for its solubility and reactivity in various formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Benzyl alcohol is characterized by a mild, sweet, and slightly floral aroma. It is often used to impart a subtle, pleasant scent in both flavors and fragrances. The odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it serves as a background note, enhancing the overall profile without dominating it.

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 formed through the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride or via the reduction of benzaldehyde. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction method.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Benzyl alcohol is utilized across various flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and nutty profiles. It acts as a solvent and a flavor enhancer, contributing to the overall harmony of the flavor system. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 10 to 100 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to a more pronounced aroma. It is stable under typical food processing conditions but may oxidize over time.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, benzyl alcohol is a versatile component used in floral, woody, and musky compositions. It functions as a solvent and a fixative, enhancing the longevity of the fragrance. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, contributing primarily to the middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; listed with FL No. 02.007.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved in Japan and China, with specific use levels regulated.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though country-specific regulations may vary.

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 ADI established by JECFA. Dermal exposure in fragrances is regulated by IFRA, with guidelines to prevent irritation and sensitization. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored.

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 profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to oxidize, which can alter the fragrance or flavor over time. It is often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle, natural aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on benzyl alcohol is well-established, with comprehensive regulatory and safety evaluations. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. 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 2026-03-30 03:24:01 GMT (p2)