FlavScents AInsights Entry for Styralyl Alcohol (CAS: 98-85-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Styralyl Alcohol
• IUPAC Name: 2-Phenylethanol
• CAS Number: 98-85-1
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL Number: Not available; CoE Number: Not available; IFRA Reference: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C8H10O
• Molecular Weight: 122.16 g/mol

Styralyl alcohol is a single chemical compound characterized by the presence of a phenyl group attached to an ethanol moiety. This structure contributes to its floral and slightly balsamic odor profile, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Styralyl alcohol is known for its pleasant floral aroma, often described as rose-like with a hint of balsamic sweetness. It is used to impart a fresh, floral character in both flavors and fragrances. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable as a background note or a modifier in complex formulations. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is typically used in low concentrations to achieve the desired sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Styralyl alcohol is naturally found in various essential oils, including rose and geranium oils. It can also be formed through the enzymatic degradation of phenylalanine in plants. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Styralyl alcohol is utilized in flavor formulations to enhance floral notes, particularly in fruit and floral flavor categories. It serves as a functional modifier, adding depth and complexity to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired intensity. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, styralyl alcohol is employed across various fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and chypre. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the overall floral bouquet. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the product type and desired olfactory profile. It is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Styralyl alcohol is not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS but may be used under general flavoring principles.
• European Union: It is regulated under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific use conditions for flavoring substances.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the UK aligns with EU regulations for flavoring substances.
• Asia: In Japan and China, it is permitted for use in flavors, subject to local regulations.
• Latin America: Usage is generally aligned with international standards, but specific approvals may vary by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, styralyl alcohol is considered safe when used within typical flavoring concentrations, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Styralyl alcohol is valued for its ability to impart a natural floral character, enhancing the realism of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, but care should be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial scent. Formulators should consider its stability under different processing conditions to maintain the desired sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on styralyl alcohol is well-established, with consistent findings across various sources. While specific numeric thresholds are not always available, industry practices provide reliable guidance for its use. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies and comprehensive regulatory approvals in some regions.

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 2026-04-02 13:53:15 GMT (p2)