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
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Benzyl alcohol contains a hydroxyl group attached to a benzene ring, which contributes to its mild aromatic odor. This structure is significant in its role as a solvent and in its use in flavor and fragrance formulations due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Benzyl alcohol is characterized by a mild, pleasant aromatic odor with a slightly sweet taste. It is often described as having a faint almond-like scent, which is subtle yet distinct. The compound is typically used as a background note in fragrance compositions, providing a soft, floral nuance that enhances the overall profile without dominating it. In flavor applications, benzyl alcohol can impart a sweet, fruity undertone, often used to round out the flavor profile of various products. The odor threshold of benzyl alcohol is relatively low, making it 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 is also found in fruits such as apricots and cranberries. The compound can be formed through the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride or via the reduction of benzaldehyde. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in products labeled as containing "natural flavors" or "natural fragrances," depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Benzyl alcohol is utilized in a wide range of flavor categories, including fruit, nut, and floral flavors. It serves as a solvent and a flavoring agent, enhancing the sweetness and depth of the flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 10 to 100 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially altering the intended flavor balance. Benzyl alcohol is stable under normal processing conditions but may oxidize over time, affecting its flavor contribution.

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 and a fixative, helping to stabilize the volatility of other fragrance components. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%. Benzyl alcohol contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, providing a smooth transition between the top and base notes.

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 Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by FEMA for use in food and beverages.
• European Union: It is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number for flavor use.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU, with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: In Japan and China, benzyl alcohol is permitted for use in food and cosmetics, subject to specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: In Brazil and other MERCOSUR countries, benzyl alcohol is approved for use in both flavors and fragrances, with harmonized regulations similar to those in the EU.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Benzyl alcohol is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications when used within recommended limits. For oral exposure, the compound has a high margin of safety, with an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) established by regulatory authorities. Dermal exposure is generally well-tolerated, although it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, which is addressed in IFRA guidelines. 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 versatility as both a solvent and a fragrance/flavor component. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to oxidize, which can alter its sensory properties. It is often under-used in formulations where a subtle, sweet background note 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 in regulatory interpretations may exist across regions. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to long-term exposure studies.

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 2026-06-03 19:14:41 GMT (p2)