This section provides an overview of phenyl ethyl acetate (2-phenylethyl acetate and phenethyl acetate), covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in flavour, fragrance, food, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical industries. Also, please check out the introduction to phenyl ethyl acetate manufacturers, supply chain issues, phenyl ethyl acetate suppliers, and phenyl ethyl acetate prices. Sinofi can help you buy phenyl ethyl acetate at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 2857 and CAS 103-45-7.
Table of Contents
What is Phenyl Ethyl Acetate?
Phenyl ethyl acetate, also named phenethyl acetate and phenylethyl acetate, stands as one of the most valuable and frequently employed aromatic ingredients in the flavour and fragrance industry. This naturally occurring compound serves as a bridge between fruity and floral characteristics, offering formulation flexibility that few other ingredients can match. Phenylethyl acetate is the acetic acid ester of phenylethyl alcohol. It exhibits limited water solubility, making it lipophilic in nature and well-suited for oil-based flavour systems. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), phenyl ethyl acetate is approved to be used in the flavour, fragrance, and food industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Phenyl ethyl acetate has been evaluated by relevant regulatory authorities like JECFA, EFSA, RIFM, ECHACHEM, NIST, and WHO. It appears on the list of FEMA, and its number is 2857. The compound holds approval for use in food products in major markets, including the United States, the European Union, and most other jurisdictions worldwide. It may be labeled as a natural flavour when derived from natural sources through appropriate extraction or biotechnological methods, or as a nature-identical flavour when produced synthetically but chemically identical to the natural material. The compound demonstrates good stability under normal storage conditions, though it remains susceptible to hydrolysis under extreme pH conditions or elevated temperatures, a consideration that must inform formulation strategies. The fragrance standard of phenylethyl acetate has been set by organizations such as IFRA.
Natural Occurrence and Biosynthesis
This ester occurs naturally in numerous botanical sources, which contributes significantly to its regulatory acceptance and consumer appeal in clean-label applications. Phenylethyl acetate can be found in roses, honey, cocoa, various stone fruits, including peaches and apricots, and in fermented products such as wine and certain aged spirits. Phenethyl acetate forms naturally through the esterification of phenylethyl alcohol with acetic acid, a reaction that occurs during ripening processes in fruits and during fermentation by yeasts and bacteria. This natural presence across diverse food matrices provides flavour formulators with strong justification for its use in nature-identical and natural flavour systems.
Sensory Profile and Organoleptic Properties
The sensory characteristics of phenylethyl acetate represent its primary value in flavour formulation. The compound delivers a distinctive honey-like sweetness coupled with prominent rose and floral notes. Depending on concentration and the surrounding flavour matrix, it can exhibit fruity nuances reminiscent of peach, apricot, or pear. Phenethyl acetate possesses a relatively low odor threshold, which allows it to contribute significantly to flavour profiles at modest inclusion levels. This potency requires careful handling during formulation to avoid overwhelming more delicate flavour components. At higher concentrations, the floral character becomes more pronounced and can transition toward a more perfume-like quality. At lower concentrations, the honey and fruity aspects become more prominent, creating a softer, more rounded sweetness. This concentration-dependent character makes phenylethyl acetate particularly valuable for fine-tuning flavour systems and achieving specific sensory targets.
CAS No.: 103-45-7
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of phenyl ethyl acetate is 103-45-7.
CAS Name: 2-Phenyl Ethyl Acetate
Molecular Formula: C10H12O2
Molecular Mass: 164.20
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow liquid.
JECFA Number: 989
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Boiling Point: 238.00 to 239.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils, propylene glycol.
Other Names:
♦ Acetic acid, 2-phenylethyl ester
♦ Acetic acid, phenethyl ester
♦ Phenethyl alcohol, acetate
♦ Benzylcarbinyl acetate
♦ Phenethyl acetate
Phenyl Ethyl Acetate Odor
Odor Strength: Medium
Substantivity: 16 hour(s) at 100.00 %
Odor Description: At 100.00 %, floral rose, sweet honey, fruity tropical.
FEMA Number 2857
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of phenyl ethyl acetate is 2857.
Bulk Phenyl Ethyl Acetate Manufacturers
The bulk manufacturing for phenyl ethyl acetate demonstrates distinct geographic concentration patterns that reflect broader trends in specialty chemical manufacturing. Top phenyl ethyl acetate manufacturers like Lluch Essence, Symrise, and Ventós typically produce phenylethyl acetate as part of broader aromatic chemical portfolios, benefiting from economies of scope and vertical integration advantages. China has emerged as the dominant production center for phenylethyl acetate, accounting for approximately 60 percent of global manufacturing capacity. This concentration results from several convergent factors, including established chemical infrastructure, competitive production costs, access to raw materials, and proximity to growing end-use markets in the Asia-Pacific region. European phenethyl acetate manufacturers maintain a significant presence despite higher production costs, focusing primarily on high-purity grades and natural or biotechnology-derived variants that command premium pricing. Key production facilities operate in Germany, France, and Switzerland, often as part of larger flavour and fragrance companies or specialty chemical divisions of multinational corporations. These European producers typically emphasize technical service, regulatory support, and quality consistency as competitive differentiators rather than competing solely on price.
Sinofi is a bulk phenylethyl acetate manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of phenethyl acetate. We supply high-quality phenyl ethyl acetate at bulk prices and serve flavour formulation, fragrance composition, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and various specialty chemical uses.
Manufacturing Process of Phenyl Ethyl Acetate
The manufacturing process for phenylethyl acetate exemplifies classical esterification chemistry adapted for efficient industrial production.
Chemical Background and Reaction Fundamentals
Phenylethyl acetate synthesis proceeds through Fischer esterification, a reversible equilibrium reaction between phenylethyl alcohol and acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst. The reaction follows the general mechanism for carboxylic acid esterification, wherein the carbonyl carbon of the acid undergoes nucleophilic attack by the alcohol oxygen, followed by proton transfer and elimination of water. According to Le Chatelier’s principle, this can be achieved through excess reactant addition, continuous water removal, or manipulation of reaction conditions to favor the forward reaction. The equilibrium constant for this esterification is moderately favorable but not overwhelmingly so, making water removal particularly important for achieving high conversion rates. The reaction proceeds through a tetrahedral intermediate formed after nucleophilic attack, which then collapses to release water and form the ester linkage.
Success requires mastery of reaction equilibrium management through water removal, judicious catalyst selection, balancing activity against product purity requirements, and implementation of effective purification strategies to achieve flavour-grade quality specifications.
Bulk Phenyl Ethyl Acetate Suppliers
The global supply for phenylethyl acetate comprises a diverse ecosystem of direct manufacturers, specialty chemical distributors, flavour and fragrance ingredient suppliers, and international trading companies. Top phenyl ethyl acetate suppliers like Lluch Essence, Symrise, and Ventós function as both producers and suppliers, serving external customers while simultaneously using production for their own formulation operations. These integrated suppliers bring substantial advantages, including comprehensive technical support, extensive regulatory databases, global distribution infrastructure, and quality assurance capabilities that smaller suppliers struggle to match.
Sinofi is a bulk phenyl ethyl acetate supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality phenethyl acetate. We sell different grades of phenylethyl acetate at wholesale prices, serving end-users across the food, beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Supply Chain of Phenyl Ethyl Acetate
The global supply chain for phenyl ethyl acetate represents a complex, multi-tiered network connecting raw material producers through multiple transformation and distribution stages to diverse end-use markets spanning food, beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and household products. It demonstrates various vertical integration strategies as companies seek competitive advantage through controlling multiple supply chain stages. Forward integration by manufacturers into distribution functions represents one common pattern, with producers establishing sales offices, warehousing capabilities, and technical service organizations enabling direct customer access.
This integration strategy reduces dependence on merchant intermediate suppliers who might allocate limited material to competing buyers during tight supply conditions or who might be able to extract monopoly rents for specialized intermediates with limited supply sources. The capital intensity and technical complexity of intermediate production limit backward integration primarily to larger manufacturers with the financial resources and technical capabilities to operate these additional processes efficiently.
The major flavour and fragrance houses demonstrate the most extensive vertical integration, operating across multiple supply chain tiers simultaneously. These companies maintain internal ester manufacturing capabilities, producing phenylethyl acetate and similar aromatic chemicals for internal consumption, while also purchasing from external suppliers to supplement internal production or to access specialized grades. They operate global distribution networks supplying finished flavour and fragrance compositions to consumer goods manufacturers worldwide. This vertical scope provides multiple advantages, including cost reduction through margin capture, supply security through internal production buffers, technical integration enabling rapid formulation development and modification, and quality control through direct oversight of critical supply chain stages.
Wholesale and Buy Phenyl Ethyl Acetate in Bulk
Successful wholesale and purchasing of phenylethyl acetate requires sophisticated approaches that extend far beyond identifying suppliers offering acceptable pricing. Phenylethyl acetate buyers must thoroughly understand organizational requirements across current and future needs, supplier evaluation, and qualification processes. They must establish clear specifications and testing protocols, providing objective quality verification. They should build strategic supplier relationships that generate mutual value exceeding transactional alternatives.
Supplier Identification and Evaluation Framework
The process of identifying and evaluating potential suppliers of phenylethyl acetate demands a systematic methodology ensuring that selection decisions rest upon a comprehensive assessment of supplier capabilities. Supplier identification should cast a sufficiently wide net to ensure competitive dynamics while maintaining focus on candidates genuinely capable of meeting organizational requirements.
Quality Specifications and Testing Protocols
The quality specification document should enumerate all critical parameters with clearly defined acceptance limits. The sampling procedures should eliminate ambiguity regarding requirements. Purity requirements typically specify minimum acceptable purity levels by gas chromatography, commonly 98.5% for flavour-grade applications.
As a bulk phenylethyl acetate manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to flavour, fragrance, pharmaceutical, and various specialty chemical users. We also supply it to small customers. Normally, they want to buy phenyl ethyl acetate in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell phenylethyl acetate at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Phenyl Ethyl Acetate Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade Phenyl Ethyl Acetate Prices (GC Content >=99.0%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 9 USD | Express |
| 500g | 43 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 62 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 40% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
The global phenylethyl acetate pricing reflects the complex interplay of raw material costs, manufacturing economics, supply chain dynamics, and competitive market forces characteristic of specialty aromatic chemicals. Current market prices demonstrate significant variation across geographic regions, supplier types, quality grades, and purchase volumes.
Current Price Ranges and Market Segmentation
The phenylethyl acetate market demonstrates clear price stratification across multiple dimensions, reflecting differences in product characteristics, supplier positioning, and transaction structures. At the foundation of the pricing hierarchy, standard synthetic grades purchased in bulk directly from Chinese manufacturers typically range from 25 to 40 USD per Kg for material meeting basic flavour-grade specifications of 98.5% minimum purity. This price segment represents the most cost-competitive option available in global markets, reflecting the production cost advantages that Chinese manufacturers derive from lower labor expenses, established chemical infrastructure, economies of scale from larger production facilities, and less stringent environmental compliance costs compared to manufacturers in developed economies. The European phenethyl acetate price premium persists despite competitive pressure from Asian imports because a segment of customers prioritizes quality assurance, regulatory compliance support, technical service, and supply relationship stability over absolute minimum cost, creating a sustainable market for premium-positioned suppliers.
Raw Material Cost Influences
Raw material costs represent the single largest component of phenylethyl acetate production economics, typically accounting for 55% – 65% of total manufacturing costs and thus serving as the primary driver of product pricing movements. Phenylethyl alcohol, the limiting reactant and most expensive input, exerts the dominant influence on ester pricing. The phenylethyl alcohol market itself demonstrates price volatility driven by its own supply-demand dynamics and upstream feedstock costs.
Furthermore, the above phenylethyl acetate price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the value of the phenethyl acetate sample. However, the bulk wholesale prices of phenyl ethyl acetate will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Phenyl Ethyl Acetate Specification
| Appearance: | Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid. |
| Odor: | Floral rose, sweet honey, fruity tropical. |
| Purity (GC) | >=99% |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.497-1.501 |
| Specific Gravity (25°C) | 1.030-1.034 |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | <=1 |
| Heavy Metal (as Pb, mg/Kg) | <=10 |
| As (mg/Kg) | <=3 |
Phenyl Ethyl Acetate Uses
Phenylethyl acetate demonstrates remarkable versatility across a broad spectrum of applications spanning food and beverage flavouring, fragrance composition for personal care and household products, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical flavouring, and various industrial and technical uses.
Flavour Applications in Food and Beverage Products
The flavour industry represents the largest single application sector for phenylethyl acetate, with the compound serving as a critical building block in formulations designed to recreate or enhance the taste profiles of natural foods and beverages. The compound’s complex sensory character, combining honey sweetness with rose-floral notes and fruity nuances, makes it particularly valuable in applications where authentic, rounded flavour profiles are desired. Stone fruit flavours constitute one of the most significant application categories, with 2-phenylethyl acetate serving as an essential component in peach, apricot, nectarine, and plum flavour systems. In these applications, the compound contributes the characteristic honey-sweet and slightly floral notes that distinguish ripe stone fruits from simple fruity esters, providing depth and authenticity that simpler flavour systems cannot achieve.
The technical formulation of stone fruit flavours typically incorporates phenyl ethyl acetate at concentrations ranging from 5 ppm to 20 ppm in finished flavour compositions. Peach flavours, which represent a particularly important commercial application given the widespread use of peach flavour in beverages, yogurts, and baked goods, often employ relatively higher concentrations to capture the distinctive honey-nectar character of ripe peaches. Apricot flavours similarly rely on this compound to provide the sweet-floral dimension that distinguishes apricot from other stone fruits. The compound works synergistically with other flavour components, including gamma-decalactone, various esters such as ethyl butyrate and isoamyl acetate, and appropriate amounts of benzaldehyde to create complete, authentic stone fruit profiles.
Berry flavour applications represent another significant use category, though at generally lower concentrations than stone fruit systems. Strawberry flavours incorporate phenylethyl acetate to add subtle floral complexity that distinguishes premium formulations from simpler, candy-like profiles. The compound contributes a sophisticated dimension that rounds out the bright, fresh notes provided by methyl anthranilate, furaneol, and various esters characteristic of strawberry flavour. Raspberry and blackberry flavours use the compound similarly, adding depth and natural character to formulations that might otherwise seem one-dimensional. The typical usage level in berry flavours ranges from 2-10 ppm in finished compositions.
Honey flavours represent a particularly important application where phenyl ethyl acetate often serves as a major component rather than a supporting ingredient. The compound’s inherent honey-like character makes it indispensable in recreating the complex, sweet-floral profile of natural honey. Honey flavour formulations commonly incorporate this ester at concentrations of 20-100 ppm or higher, making honey applications among the most significant volume drivers for the compound.
Beverage applications across both alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories represent substantial markets for flavours incorporating phenylethyl acetate. Fruit-flavoured soft drinks and juices, particularly those with stone fruit or berry profiles, utilize flavour systems containing this compound to achieve authentic taste profiles.
Dairy applications, including yogurts, ice creams, and flavoured milk products, utilize fruit flavour systems that commonly contain phenylethyl acetate as a component. The compound’s ability to provide natural, authentic fruit character proves especially valuable in dairy applications where consumers increasingly scrutinize ingredient lists and prefer natural flavouring declarations over artificial alternatives.
Baked goods and confectionery products represent additional significant application areas. Fruit-filled pastries, flavoured cakes, cookies, and various confections incorporate flavours containing phenyl ethyl acetate to provide authentic fruit character that withstands the heat processing required in baking applications. The compound demonstrates good heat stability, maintaining its sensory characteristics through typical baking temperatures.
Fragrance Applications in Personal Care and Cosmetic Products
The fragrance industry represents the second major application sector for phenyl ethyl acetate, with the compound serving important functions in both fine fragrances and functional fragrances incorporated into personal care, cosmetic, and household products. The compound’s rose-floral character with honey-sweet undertones provides perfumers with a versatile ingredient that bridges between floral and fruity fragrance families, enabling smooth transitions and rounded compositions. Fine fragrance applications in premium perfumes, colognes, and eau de toilette products utilize phenylethyl acetate to add subtle complexity to floral accords, particularly in rose compositions, where it complements phenylethyl alcohol and various rose-associated terpenes. The compound provides a softer, sweeter dimension compared to phenylethyl alcohol alone, helping perfumers create more rounded, sophisticated rose notes.
The technical role of phenylethyl acetate in fragrance formulation differs from its flavour applications primarily in the concentration ranges employed. Fragrance formulations typically incorporate the compound at levels ranging from zero point one to five percent of the total fragrance composition, substantially higher than typical flavour usage levels but still representing a supporting rather than dominant ingredient. The compound functions particularly effectively in the heart or middle notes of fragrances, providing sustained sweetness and floral character that bridges the transition from volatile top notes to the long-lasting base notes. Perfumers value this bridging characteristic as it helps create smoother, more harmonious fragrance development over the wearing period.
Household and Consumer Product Applications
Beyond personal care, phenylethyl acetate finds application in fragrances incorporated into various household and consumer products where a pleasant scent contributes to consumer satisfaction and product differentiation. Laundry care products, including detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets, rely heavily on fragrance as a key product attribute influencing consumer preference and repeat purchase. The compound’s good stability through the laundry process and its ability to provide fresh, floral, or fruity notes make it valuable in fragrance systems designed for these applications. The sensory experience of freshly laundered items significantly influences consumer perception of cleaning efficacy and product quality, making fragrance selection critical even though it does not directly contribute to cleaning performance.
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Applications
The pharmaceutical industry utilizes phenylethyl acetate primarily as a flavouring agent in oral medications where taste masking or flavour enhancement improves patient compliance and medication adherence. Pediatric medications represent particularly important applications, as children’s reluctance to take bad-tasting medicines creates substantial challenges for caregivers and healthcare providers. Liquid medications, including syrups, suspensions, and solutions, commonly incorporate flavouring systems where the compound’s honey-sweet character proves especially valuable. The association between honey and soothing throat comfort makes honey flavours particularly appropriate for cough syrups and cold remedies, with phenylethyl acetate serving as a key component in these flavour systems.
Regulatory Considerations and Safety Profile
The safety profile of phenylethyl acetate supports its widespread use across consumer applications, with toxicological studies demonstrating low acute toxicity, minimal irritation potential, and absence of significant concerns regarding mutagenicity or other serious toxicological endpoints when used at levels typical in consumer products. Oral acute toxicity studies in animal models show LD50 values exceeding 3000 mg per kilogram body weight, classifying the material as having low acute toxicity. Skin irritation studies indicate minimal irritation potential, supporting the compound’s use in personal care and cosmetic applications involving skin contact. Eye irritation studies show some irritation potential requiring handling precautions, but not preventing use in consumer products, applied carefully to avoid eye contact.
Allergenicity and sensitization potential represent important safety considerations for fragrance materials used in personal care and cosmetic applications. While phenyl ethyl acetate does not appear on priority lists of common allergens requiring special labeling under European Union cosmetic regulations, formulators must ensure total fragrance compositions comply with relevant requirements and that individual ingredients, including this compound, are used at levels that do not pose sensitization risks to consumers. Safety assessments for specific product applications consider the concentration used, the product type, and expected exposure pattern, and the target consumer population, including potential use by sensitive populations.
Phenyl Ethyl Acetate in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Within the vaping industry, phenyl ethyl acetate (phenethyl acetate)serves primarily as a flavouring agent due to its sweet, floral aroma with honey-like and fruity undertones. Phenethyl acetate is approved as a flavouring agent by the EU in terms of EU regulation, No 872/2012, which relates to the adoption of a list of flavouring substances. Manufacturers incorporate it into e-liquid formulations to create or enhance floral, fruity, and sweet flavour profiles. Its versatility allows it to function both as a primary flavour note and as a complementary ingredient that adds depth and complexity to multi-component flavour systems.
E-liquid manufacturers typically use phenylethyl acetate in relatively small concentrations, measured as a percentage of the total formulation. The precise concentration depends on the desired flavour intensity and the presence of other flavouring compounds. In finished products, this compound works synergistically with base ingredients such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine to deliver a complete sensory experience to the consumer. The compound’s natural occurrence in plants has led some manufacturers to market products containing 2-phenylethyl acetate as having “natural” or “naturally derived” flavours.
The regulatory treatment of flavouring compounds in vaping products varies significantly across jurisdictions. In some regions, authorities have implemented restrictions on flavoured vaping products as part of broader public health initiatives, particularly those aimed at reducing youth access and appeal. In jurisdictions where flavoured products remain permissible, manufacturers must typically comply with ingredient disclosure requirements, manufacturing standards, and labeling regulations. The presence of phenylethyl acetate would need to be reported as part of comprehensive ingredient listings in many regulatory frameworks.
Phenyl Ethyl Acetate Benefits
Phenylethyl acetate delivers comprehensive benefits spanning sensory performance, technical functionality, regulatory compliance, economic efficiency, market positioning, consumer satisfaction, innovation enablement, and strategic capability building.
Sensory and Organoleptic Benefits
The primary benefit of phenyl ethyl acetate derives from its exceptional sensory characteristics that enable the creation of appealing, authentic flavour and fragrance profiles across diverse applications. The compound’s unique organoleptic signature, combining honey-sweet notes with rose-floral character and fruity undertones, provides formulators with capabilities that few alternative ingredients can replicate.
Technical Performance Advantages
Beyond its sensory benefits, phenyl ethyl acetate demonstrates several technical performance characteristics that facilitate its use across diverse applications and processing conditions. It exhibits good thermal stability under typical food processing and manufacturing conditions, maintaining its sensory characteristics through pasteurization, baking, and other heat treatments commonly employed in food and beverage production. While some degradation occurs during extended exposure to temperatures exceeding one hundred degrees Celsius, the compound withstands brief exposures to these conditions better than many alternative flavour materials.
A Honey-Vanilla-Pear Flavoured E-liquid
Include the following ingredients:
Propylene glycol 37.7%, Glycerol 50%, Nicotine benzoate 2%, Sweetener 0.3%, and Flavouring 10%.
The sweetener is prepared by mixing the following components:
Synthetic sweeteners: Advantame 0.35%, Neotame 8%;
Natural sweeteners: Rebaudioside M 2%, NHDC 4%;
Single flavouring ingredients: Phenyl ethyl acetate 0.2%, Benzyl formate 0.1%, Hexyl formate 0.25%, Ethyl maltol 0.4%, Vanillin 0.2%;
Cooling agent: WS-23 0.3%;
Primary solvent: Propylene glycol 84.2%.
In conclusion, phenyl ethyl acetate has a unique organoleptic profile combining honey-sweet character with floral and fruity notes, and it can provide exceptional versatility across diverse flavour and fragrance applications, enabling the creation of authentic, appealing sensory experiences that enhance consumer products. As a bulk phenyl ethyl acetate manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of phenylethyl acetate at wholesale prices to clients around the world.