1-Phenylethanol is the organic compound with the formula C6H5CH(OH)CH3. It is one of the most commonly available chiral alcohols. It is a colorless liquid with a mild gardenia-hyacinth scent.
Phenylethanol is an aromatic alcohol, it has the role of mouse metabolite.It is a natural product and is found in Cichorium endivia, Castanopsis cuspidata and other organisms.[1]
1-Phenylethanol is found in nature as a glycoside, together with its hydrolase β-primeverosidase in tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers.[2] It is also reportedly present in cranberries, grapes, chives, Scottish spearmint oil, cheeses, cognac, rum, white wine, cocoa, black tea, filbert, cloudberries, beans, mushrooms, and endives.[3]
Racemic 1-phenylethanol is produced by the reduction of acetophenone by sodium borohydride. Alternatively, benzaldehyde can be reacted with methylmagnesium chloride or similar organometallic compounds to afford racemic 1-phenylethanol.
Asymmetric hydrogenation of acetophenone by Noyori catalysts proceeds quantitatively (50 atm H2, room temperature, minutes) in >99% e.e.[4]
The organic oxidising agent ethylbenzene hydroperoxide yields 1-phenylethanol when reduced. Used for the epoxidation of propene, this coproduces propylene oxide, and is an important step in the PO/SM process for the production of styrene.[5]
In the final step of the PO/SM process, dehydration of 1-phenylethanol yields styrene, analogous to many other dehydrations of alcohols to yield alkenes. While secondary to the direct dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, the PO/SM method remains industrially significant. This route accounted for approximately 15% of styrene production in the United States in 1993,[6] and has seen international development in the 21st century, especially in developing economies that have seen growth in demand for both styrene and propylene oxide.[7]