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A Versatile Fragrance, Preservative & Pharmaceutical Intermediate: 3-Phenyl-1-propanol (CAS 122-97-4)

3-Phenyl-1-propanol (also known as Hydrocinnamyl alcohol, 3-Phenylpropyl alcohol, or γ-Phenylpropyl alcohol, CAS: 122-97-4) is a naturally occurring aromatic alcohol with the molecular formula C₉H₁₂O and a molecular weight of 136.19 g/mol. It appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic balsamic, floral, and slightly sweet odor. This compound is found in nature in styrax gum, guava fruit, and beeswax.

As a versatile organic building block, 3-Phenyl-1-propanol is widely used across the fragrance, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Its pleasant olfactory profile, antimicrobial properties, and utility as a chemical intermediate make it an indispensable ingredient for formulators and manufacturers worldwide.

Key Properties & Specifications

  • CAS Number: 122-97-4
  • Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₂O
  • Molecular Weight: 136.19 g/mol
  • Appearance: Clear colorless liquid
  • Purity: ≥98.5% – 99% (by GC)
  • Boiling Point: 236 °C
  • Melting Point: −18 °C
  • Flash Point: 109-120 °C
  • Refractive Index: 1.5255 – 1.5285 at 20°C
  • Density: 1.001 g/mL at 20°C
  • Solubility: Not miscible in water

Olfactory Profile

3-Phenyl-1-propanol possesses a pleasant, balsamic odor character that has made it a staple in the fragrance industry. Its scent profile is typically described as fresh, slightly sweet, and delicately rosy, with gentle green and honeyed nuances. It brings a natural floral softness to fragrance compositions, reminiscent of hyacinth, lilac, and lily of the valley. When diluted, it reveals fresh, pleasant fruity notes of melon.

Core Application Fields

1. Fragrances & Flavors (≈50-60% of demand). As a fragrance ingredient, 3-Phenyl-1-propanol is used to create fresh flower compositions like lilac, hyacinth, and lily of the valley. It blends well with jasmine, muguet materials, geranium, and light green notes, making it suitable for a wide range of fragrance styles including floral compositions, fresh bouquets, and elegant classic perfumes. It is also used as a flavoring agent, with FEMA use levels including: soft drinks (0.73 mg/kg), cold drinks (1.4 mg/kg), candy (2.8 mg/kg), baked goods (3.3 mg/kg), chewing gum (4.3 mg/kg), and alcoholic beverages (5.0 mg/kg). The compound is FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) and FDA 21 CFR 172.515 compliant for use in flavors and fragrances.

2. Cosmetic Preservative (≈20-25% of demand). 3-Phenyl-1-propanol has a natural fragrance with antimicrobial properties against bacteria and molds. It is used in combination with Heliotropin or Piperonal as a preservative for cosmetic products. Its efficacy against a broad spectrum of microbes makes it a valuable multifunctional ingredient in personal care formulations.

3. Pharmaceutical Intermediate (≈15-20% of demand). 3-Phenyl-1-propanol is a key starting reagent for the enantioselective synthesis of (S)- and (R)-Dapoxetine, a medication used to treat premature ejaculation. It is also used to study the hydrogenation of trans-cinnamaldehyde using water-soluble organometallic complexes.

4. Research & Development. The compound is a useful biochemical for proteomics research and has been used in studies investigating the allelopathic properties of Cistus ladanifer L.. It has also been shown to attract stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) at approximately 16 times the rate of related compounds.

5. Emerging Sustainable Production. Recent research has established an artificial Old Yellow Enzyme (OYE)-mediated pathway in Escherichia coli for the efficient and sustainable synthesis of 3-Phenyl-1-propanol from L-phenylalanine and glucose, highlighting the growing demand for biobased production methods.

Market & Supply Information

The global market for 3-Phenyl-1-propanol (CAS 122-97-4) is well-established, with comprehensive market research reports available covering global and regional markets (Europe, Asia, North America, etc.). The compound is produced and supplied by major chemical manufacturers worldwide.

Key global suppliers and manufacturers include:

  • Thermo Fisher Scientific (Alfa Aesar): Offers 99% purity, catalog number A13022.30
  • Sigma-Aldrich (Merck): Offers 98% purity (product 140856) and FCC grade (product W288500)
  • TCI (Tokyo Chemical Industry): Offers ≥98.0% purity
  • Wego Chemical Group: Supplies to various industries for Flavor & Fragrance and Household applications
  • Chem-Impex: Offers Hydrocinnamyl alcohol

The compound is available in a wide range of packaging options to suit different scales of operation:

  • R&D & Laboratory: 250 g, 1 kg
  • Pilot & Industrial: 5 kg and larger drums

Regulatory & Safety Information

  • Regulatory Status: FCC and FDA 21 CFR 172.515 compliant for use as a flavoring agent. Reviewed by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) as a safe fragrance ingredient.
  • Hazard Classification: Eye Dam. 1 – Skin Corr. 1B
  • Signal Word: Danger
  • Storage: Stable under recommended storage conditions; incompatible with oxidizing agents. Store at room temperature (below 15°C in a cool, dry place).
  • Transport: Class 8A – Combustible corrosive hazardous materials.

Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)

As a world‑leading supplier of organic chemicals and fine chemical intermediates, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has always focused on the innovative needs of the fragrance, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and flavor industries. Relying on core advantages in sourcing, quality assurance, and global logistics, we provide high‑quality 3-Phenyl-1-propanol (Hydrocinnamyl alcohol, CAS 122-97-4) to customers worldwide.

1. Technical Advantages

  • High Purity & Consistency: Our 3-Phenyl-1-propanol achieves purity levels of 98-99% (verified by GC analysis), supplied as a clear, colorless liquid.
  • Low Impurity Profile: Strict quality control ensures the product meets the demanding standards of the fragrance, flavor, and pharmaceutical industries.
  • Batch-to-Batch Uniformity: Rigorous analytical testing guarantees a consistent olfactory profile, physical properties, and reproducible quality across all production lots.
  • Full Documentation: We provide a complete package of regulatory and technical documentation, including Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in both English and Russian.

2. Product Advantages

  • Versatile Fragrance & Preservative Agent: A natural fragrance with antimicrobial properties, ideal for use as a cosmetic preservative in combination with Heliotropin or Piperonal.
  • Key Pharmaceutical Intermediate: A critical starting reagent for the enantioselective synthesis of APIs like (S)- and (R)-Dapoxetine.
  • Flavor & Fragrance Compliance: FCC and FDA 21 CFR 172.515 compliant for use in flavors and fragrances.
  • Flexible Packaging Options: Available in all sizes, from R&D quantities (250g, 1kg) to industrial bulk orders (5kg, 25kg, and above), with custom packaging available upon request.
  • Reliable Supply Chain: Direct supply from a reputable manufacturer, backed by a robust logistics network. XinChem has extensive experience exporting to the Russian Federation and EAEU countries, providing a complete set of documents to ensure smooth customs clearance.

3. Application Fields

  • Fragrances & Flavors: Used in fresh flower compositions (lilac, hyacinth, lily of the valley), fine fragrances, and as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care: A multifunctional preservative and fragrance component for creams, lotions, and other cosmetic products.
  • Pharmaceuticals: A key intermediate for the synthesis of APIs and other pharmaceutical compounds.
  • Research & Development: Used in proteomics research, hydrogenation studies, and the development of sustainable bioproduction pathways.

4. Service Support

Our technical team provides full regulatory support and documentation: COA, TDS, MSDS (available in both English and Russian). We offer assistance with the preparation of documentation for the registration of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food products in the Russian Federation and EAEU markets.

5. Why Choose XinChem

  • Professionalism: 20+ years in the chemical and fine chemical intermediate industry.
  • Flexibility: Tailored solutions for purity, packaging, and logistics.
  • Cost-effectiveness: High quality at competitive prices from a reliable direct supplier.

Contact us now to start cooperation!

Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532


Post time: Jun-21-2026