Amyl phenyl acetate

Other comments :

Compared to other rosy and green classical materials as Phenoxanol® and Rosacetol® among others, Amyl Phenyl acetate has a distinctive honeyed, almost gourmand note.

Stability :

May form Phenylacetic acid through time under the effect of heat.
Most of the time, the occurrence of a benzenic cycle in a molecule causes a coloration of this molecule through time

Uses in perfumery :

Even if it is less used than IsoAmyl Phenyl acetate, Amyl Phenyl acetate can be used in Hyacinth accords, to bring a green and rosy note. It also can make the link between a green top note and a rosy heart note.

Year of discovery :

Data not available.

Isomerism :

Amyl Phenyl acetate is a positional isomer of Isoamyl Phenyl acetate. They have a quite different note : the Isoamyl isomer is more chocolate-like, while the Amyl one is greener and more honeyed. Floropal® also is a constitution isomer of this molecule. It has a more sulfuric and fruity note, reminiscent of rhubarb.

Synthesis precursor :

Amyl Phenyl acetate is not a precursor to the synthesis of antoher compound of olfactory interest.

Natural availability :

A trace of Amyl Phenyl acetate can be found in Peppermint EO. It is possible to extract it on a natural state, in very low quantity. Nevertheless, the synthetic molecule is generally used in perfumery.

Synthesis route :

Like most esters, Amyl Phenyl acetate is synthesized by an esterification reaction between Phenylacetic Acid (obtained from benzyl chloride and sodium cyanide) and Amyl Alcohol (or Pentanol). This reaction is catalysed by a strong acid such as concentrated sulfuric acid, present in the reaction medium in a small amount. Phenylacetic Acid can also be replaced by phenylacetic anhydride, to raise the yield of the reaction.