Phenoxyethanol

What is Phenoxyethanol?

Molecular Formula (Phenoxyethanol): C₈H₁₀0₂

Molecular Weight: 138.16 g/mol

Chemical Name: 2-Phenoxyethanol

CAS Number: 122-99-6

It is a chemical compound in the form of a glycol ether with an organic structure. Its most important and prominent feature is that it is a preservative chemical. It can be used together with another antimicrobial chemical such as Sorbic Acid.

Phenoxyethanol has an activity level across a wide pH range. It belongs to the class of chemicals with antifungal and antibacterial effects.

Other Names are as Follows;

• Ethylene Glycol Monophenyl Ether
• Phenoxyethanol
• Ethylene Glycol Phenyl Ether
• Phenylmonoglycol Ether
• Phenoxyethyl Alcohol
• 2-Hydroxyethyl Phenyl Ether
• 2-Phenoxyethanol
• 122-99-6

How is it Produced?

Phenoxyethanol production occurs from the reaction of phenol with ethylene oxide under basic environmental conditions. Sodium Hydroxide or Potassium Hydroxide is used in the base-catalyzed phenoxyethanol production process.

To prevent excessive ethoxylation, the reaction stoichiometry must be carried out in a controlled manner.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

In terms of physical appearance, it is in the form of a colorless oily liquid. It has a pleasant odor.

The melting point is between 11 °C and 13 °C.

The boiling point is 247 °C.

The density of Phenoxyethanol is 1.107 g/ml at 20 °C.

Due to being an oily liquid, its solubility in water is low. It has good solubility in Ethyl Alcohol, ether, and sodium hydroxide.

In terms of stability, it is stable in the presence of alkaline chemicals and acids.

What are the Application Areas of Phenoxyethanol?

• Because its skin irritating and allergenic properties are very low, it is used as a preservative in creams, lotions, and sunscreens in the cosmetic industry.
• It is a preferred cosmetic preservative due to its ability to be used across a wide pH range.
• Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in combination with sorbic acid and some other preservatives at concentrations of 0.2% to 0.5%.
• It is an effective preservative chemical with antiseptic properties due to its bactericidal, fungicidal, and insecticidal effects.
• It is used in the production of moisturizing creams.
• It is used as a preservative during the production of cosmetic preparations as a protein source for skin and hair.
• Vaccine manufacturing companies are increasingly preferring this chemical preservative over preservatives such as thimerosal.
• It is a preservative chemical used in the production of topical medications for the treatment of bacterial infections.
• It is an important component as a preservative in medications used for acne treatment.
• It is used as a preservative in pen ink and the production of ear drops.
• Used together with Caprylyl Glycol, it is used as a preservative in the production of anti-wrinkle creams.
• It is used as a preservative in the production of wet wipes.
• Phenoxyethanol is used in some oral medications and syrups as both a preservative and as part of the solvent system for lipophilic active ingredients.

What are the Factors Affecting Its Prices?

The price of Phenoxyethanol is directly dependent on the prices of the chemicals used in its production. As the prices of phenol and sodium hydroxide increase, the price of this chemical will increase.

Recently, phenoxyethanol prices have shown a radical increase with the increase in its usage in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors.

With the increase in the usage rate of creams and sunscreens in the summer months, the sales of phenoxyethanol increase. Therefore, companies selling it increase their prices.