Benzylacetone Explained

Benzylacetone (IUPAC name: 4-phenylbutan-2-one) is a liquid with a sweet, flowery smell that is considered to be the most abundant attractant compound in flowers (e.g. Coyote Tobacco, Nicotiana attenuata)^{[1] [2]} and one of volatile components of cocoa.^[3]

It can be used as an attractant for melon flies (Bactrocera cucurbitae),^{[4] [5]} in perfume,^[6] and as an odorant for soap.

It can be prepared by the hydrogenation of benzylideneacetone.

See also

• Odor
• Pheromone
• Fragrances

External links

• Fluka 4-Phenyl-2-butanone
• NIST 4-Phenyl-2-butanone

Notes and References

1. Kessler, D. . Baldwin, I.T. . amp . Making sense of nectar scents: the effects of nectar secondary metabolites on floral visitors of Nicotiana attenuata . The Plant Journal . 49 . 5 . 840–854 . 10.1111/j.1365-313X.2006.02995.x . 17316174 . 2007. free .
2. Baldwin, I.T. . Patterns and Consequences of Benzyl Acetone Floral Emissions from Nicotiana attenuata Plants . J. Chem. Ecol. . 23 . 100 . 2327–2343 . etal . 10.1023/B:JOEC.0000006677.56380.cd . 1997 . 25042144 .
3. Karl-Georg Fahlbusch, Franz-Josef Hammerschmidt, Johannes Panten, Wilhelm Pickenhagen, Dietmar Schatkowski, Kurt Bauer, Dorothea Garbe & Horst Surburg: Flavors and Fragrances, Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2003. Cited 28.8.2015.
4. Web site: University of Florida Featured Creatures. 2008-11-18.
5. Web site: Answers.com webpage. . 2008-11-18.
6. Web site: The Goods Company webpage. 2008-11-18.