Phenyl Hexanol (Phenoxanol)
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Phenyl Hexanol, also known as Phenoxanol, is a synthetic floral ingredient offering a transparent rose-muguet character with subtle green nuances. Although soft in olfactory intensity, it is noticeably persistent and provides long-lasting floral lift. Its molecular structure contributes to greater tenacity than phenylethyl alcohol, making it especially valuable in fine fragrance, muguet compositions, and floral diffusion systems. Phenoxanol is effective in small amounts yet tolerates high dosage, offering both impact and versatility.
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Phenyl Hexanol, also known as Phenoxanol, is a synthetic floral ingredient offering a transparent rose-muguet character with subtle green nuances. Although soft in olfactory intensity, it is noticeably persistent and provides long-lasting floral lift. Its molecular structure contributes to greater tenacity than phenylethyl alcohol, making it especially valuable in fine fragrance, muguet compositions, and floral diffusion systems. Phenoxanol is effective in small amounts yet tolerates high dosage, offering both impact and versatility.
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Phenyl Hexanol, also known as Phenoxanol, is a synthetic floral ingredient offering a transparent rose-muguet character with subtle green nuances. Although soft in olfactory intensity, it is noticeably persistent and provides long-lasting floral lift. Its molecular structure contributes to greater tenacity than phenylethyl alcohol, making it especially valuable in fine fragrance, muguet compositions, and floral diffusion systems. Phenoxanol is effective in small amounts yet tolerates high dosage, offering both impact and versatility.
Synthetic Ingredient Overview
🏭 Manufacturer: Firmenich
🔎 Chemical Name: 3-methyl-5-phenylpentan-1-ol
🧪 Synonyms: Phenyl Hexanol, Phenoxanol
🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₁₈O
📂 CAS N°: 55066-48-3
⚖️ Molecular Weight: 178.27 g/mol
📝 Odor Type: Floral
📈 Odor Strength: Medium
👃🏼 Odor Profile: Transparent, floral, rose-muguet with a light green undertone
⚗️ Uses: Floral enhancer, muguet-lilial substitute, diffusion extender, low-dose modifier
🧴 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
What is Phenyl Hexanol?
Phenyl Hexanol is a branched aliphatic alcohol with a phenyl substitution, developed for use as a lasting floral component in modern perfumery. Structurally, it bridges the olfactory behavior of phenylethyl alcohol and longer-chain lily alcohols, offering improved diffusion and substantivity. Its scent is not overpowering, but evident throughout the entire evaporation curve, making it a subtle yet effective contributor to the body of a fragrance.
Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications
👃🏼 Scent Description: A soft, clean floral aroma with rose and lily-of-the-valley (muguet) tones. Its green nuance provides naturality, while its transparency ensures compatibility across fragrance families.
⚗️ Functional Roles:
Adds lasting floral lift to rose, muguet, and peony accords
Acts as a diffusion extender in floral aldehydic and citrus compositions
Replaces or supplements phenylethyl alcohol in longevity-critical applications
Useful in modern green florals, functional perfumes, and fabric care bases
🧴 Recommended Dosage:
Effective at ~1%, tolerates up to 20% in high-floral compositions without imbalance
Readily blendable with lily alcohols, lilial substitutes, linalool, and muguet aldehydes
Industrial & Technical Uses
Phenyl Hexanol is used in:
Fine fragrance (white florals, muguet, soft chypres)
Functional perfumery (fabric softeners, laundry detergent, haircare)
Personal care (creams, lotions, deodorants)
Its low reactivity and gentle odor profile make it suitable for both leave-on and rinse-off formulations. Its tenacity supports long-lasting softness and floral tone through the life of a product.
Regulatory & Safety Overview
IFRA: Not restricted under the current 51st Amendment
EU Allergens: Not included in the 26 declarable fragrance allergens
FEMA: Not used in food or flavor applications
ECHA (REACH): Registered; not classified as hazardous
Toxicology:
Not sensitizing at standard concentrations
Low volatility, high stability
Compatible with ethanol and oil-based bases
Biodegradable; not PBT or vPvB
✅ Safe for use in perfumery and cosmetic products under current regulations.
Sources
Firmenich Ingredient Portfolio – Phenoxanol
S. Arctander – Functional Floral Alcohols
ECHA Substance Information (CAS 55066-48-3)
Fulvio Ciccolo – Internal Commentary (2023)
