7257. 2-Phenoxyethanol

Nomenclature

CAS number: 122-99-6
1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane; ethylene glycol monophenyl ether; β-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether; Phenoxethol; Phenoxetol (Nipa); Phenyl Cellosolve (Union Carbide).
C8H10O2; mol wt 138.16.
C 69.55%, H 7.30%, O 23.16%.

Description and references

Obtained by treating phenol with ethylene oxide in an alkaline medium: Becker, Barthell, Monatsh. Chem. 77, 80 (1947); see also Roithner, ibid. 15, 674, 678 (1894); Rindfusz, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 41, 669 (1919). Toxicity study: H. F. Smyth et al., J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 23, 259 (1941).

Chemical structure

Properties

Oily liquid. Faint aromatic odor. Burning taste. d2020 1.1094; d422 1.102; mp 14°; bp760 245.2°; bp80 165°; bp25 137°; bp20 128-130°. nD20 1.534. Flash pt 250°F. Soly in water: 2.67 g/100 ml. Freely sol in alcohol, ether, NaOH solns. LD50 orally in rats: 1.26 g/kg (Smyth).

Derivative

Acetate.

Nomenclature

CAS number: 6192-44-5
C10H12O3; mol wt 180.20.
C 66.65%, H 6.71%, O 26.64%.

Properties

Liquid, bp 243°.

Use

Fixative for perfumes, in org synthesis; as bactericide in conjunction with quaternary ammonium compds; as insect repellent.

Therapeutic Category

Antiseptic (topical).