Not as well-known as acetone, but a much more popular chemical product, phenylethyl alcohol is very useful and necessary in the modern world. What is its role in our life? Should I be afraid of his name on the label with the composition or not?
What is phenylethyl alcohol?
FES is an organic compound with the formula C8H10O. From the name it is obvious that this substance belongs to the class of alcohols. The structural formula is shown in the figure below.
What are the physical properties of FES?
Phenylethyl alcohol is a chemical compound that is a flowing viscous liquid without color, but with a burning taste and a floral smell reminiscent of the scent of a rose. The pH level is 7.0.
Phenethyl alcohol occurs naturally in essential oils such as Rose (85% FES), Ylang Ylang, Clove, Geranium.
Where to find or how to cook FES?
As mentioned above, FES is part of someessential oils. This substance occurs naturally, as a result of the vital activity of microorganisms, animals and plants. To be more precise, phenylethyl alcohol is present in more than 200 products of natural origin: essential oils, spices, tobacco, food products. Pure FES is obtained by isolation from natural raw materials using physical, enzymatic or microbiological processes.
Of course, like any other chemical, FES can also be obtained synthetically in laboratory or production conditions, but there is no need to delve into the intricacies of its manufacturing technology now.
Use of phenylethyl alcohol
Since the physical properties of FES were discussed above, it can be concluded that this compound is used in various areas of life in order to achieve the aroma of a rose. However, one should not assume that it is suitable for creating only the smell of these flowers. Phenylethyl alcohol is also used to create other fragrances. The reason for this is its excellent combination with various aromatic compositions.
In addition, FES is also suitable for enhancing the taste in food products, as well as for flavoring them (a very striking example is sweet desserts).
It has FES and antimicrobial properties, so it can be used as a preservative or even as a bactericidal agent! For many years, this alcohol has been used in pharmaceutical preparations: studies have shown that at a concentration of only 0.2% -0.3%, FES absolutely stops the growth of certain types of fungi andbacteria. Such a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity at such low concentrations is greatly appreciated!
In the modern world, the use of phenylethyl alcohol as a preservative, mild moisturizer and emollient in cosmetic products is more common. The most suitable physical and chemical properties of this aromatic compound make it indispensable and effective at different pH values (hydrogen index). FES's own scent can also mask unpleasant odors from other cosmetic ingredients.
Are there any contraindications?
How often around you hear various warnings about the use of a particular care product. Can phenylethyl alcohol in cosmetics have a negative impact on he alth?
Pay attention to this component in the composition is necessary for people with sensitive skin or with a tendency to irritation, with couperose or rosacea. But, in general, FES is considered safe if the concentration of the active substance that is part of the cosmetic product is < 1.0%.
Although the risk is small, be careful and consult your doctor if necessary.
And now some chemical properties
In addition to FES itself, one of the derivatives of phenylethyl alcohol, phenylethylamine (PEA), is of interest. The structural formula is shown in the figure below.
One of the ways to obtain this compound is the amination of phenylethyl alcohol. However, it is not the technology of its production that is interesting, but its properties.
This compound is a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator of the energy of interpersonal relationships. People, unlike most other animals, evaluate those around them outwardly. Therefore, there is an expression love at first sight! So, when an object is found that is pleasant, pretty, sexy for us, the production of phenylethylamine in our body begins! The individual receptor for this substance itself was found in the amygdala - the nucleus of the brain.
In addition to the unique effect on the nervous system, the short lifetime of this amine is also remarkable - it is only minutes, then it is destroyed by the enzyme monoamine oxygenase.
Despite the well-known fact about the rapid destruction of PEA, it is still actively used in sports nutrition: as a stimulant in pre-workout complexes and in fat burning complexes. Its half-life when ingested is only 5-10 minutes. That is, already in the stomach, it is exposed to a destructive enzyme and does not always enter the bloodstream, which makes its effect almost negligible.
The curious reader may wonder: if it is so short-lived when taken into the body from external sources, why can't it be injected into the bloodstream directly? The answer is that scientific studies have shown that when administered intravenously, significant liver damage was observed in mice, andlarge amounts of the substance can cause Parkinson's disease in animals. Magical, but at the same time terribly dangerous - phenylethylamine.
