PHENYLETHANOL Meaning and
Definition
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Phenylethanol is a compound belonging to the class of aromatic alcohols. It is known by various names such as benzenemethanol, 2-phenylethanol, or β-phenylethanol. Its chemical formula is C8H10O, and it consists of a benzene ring with an attached hydroxyl group (-OH) and a two-carbon side chain (ethyl group).
Phenylethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a faint rose-like scent and is commonly found in certain plants and flowers such as roses, carnations, and geraniums. It also serves as a component in the fragrance and cosmetics industry due to its pleasant aroma. In addition, this compound has been used as a flavoring agent in the food industry, adding a mild and floral note to various products.
From a medicinal perspective, phenylethanol possesses antibacterial properties. It has been reported to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, making it a potentially useful natural preservative for various formulations. Due to its antimicrobial activity, it is also utilized in the production of antiseptic and disinfectant products.
Moreover, phenylethanol can be produced synthetically through different methods, including the reduction of phenylacetic acid or through the reaction between styrene and formaldehyde, followed by hydrogenation. Its versatile applications across several industries have led to its widespread use as an ingredient in various consumer products.
Common Misspellings for PHENYLETHANOL
- ohenylethanol
- lhenylethanol
- -henylethanol
- 0henylethanol
- pgenylethanol
- pbenylethanol
- pnenylethanol
- pjenylethanol
- puenylethanol
- pyenylethanol
- phwnylethanol
- phsnylethanol
- phdnylethanol
- phrnylethanol
- ph4nylethanol
- ph3nylethanol
- phebylethanol
- phemylethanol
- phejylethanol
- phehylethanol
Etymology of PHENYLETHANOL
The word "phenylethanol" can be broken down into two parts: "phenyl" and "ethanol".
- "Phenyl" comes from the Greek word "phaino", which means "to show" or "to appear". In chemistry, "phenyl" refers to the aromatic ring structure, consisting of a benzene ring (a six-carbon cyclic structure with alternating double bonds).
- "Ethanol" is a compound composed of "eth-" which derives from the Greek word "ā́ethos", meaning "pleasantness" or "sweetness", and "-anol" which refers to an alcohol compound.
Therefore, the term "phenylethanol" refers to a compound consisting of an aromatic benzene ring (phenyl) attached to an alcohol group (ethanol).
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