What Is Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate?
Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate is a synthetic aroma chemical prized for its bright fruity personality. International Flavors & Fragrances, better known as IFF, puts out a high-purity version, and a number of other suppliers offer similar grades under generic names. All versions share the same core molecule.
The material is created through a stepwise reaction that joins a phenyl ring to a small epoxy group then caps it with an ethyl ester. Perfumers do not need to remember the chemistry, yet the route matters because it keeps the material vegan suitable and consistent from batch to batch.
At room temperature Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate appears as a thin clear liquid that can develop a faint pale yellow tint over time. It pours easily and blends well with most other fragrance raw materials.
The ingredient shows up in fine fragrance, body care and functional products such as soaps and fabric conditioners. It has earned its place in countless strawberry, berry and red-fruit accords so most modern perfumers keep it on hand.
When stored in a cool dark spot with the cap tightened, the product stays fresh for roughly two to three years before the scent starts to flatten. Cost wise it sits in the affordable bracket which encourages generous use in both luxury and mass-market formulas.
Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate’s Scent Description
This molecule lives comfortably in the fruity family. On a blotter it opens with an immediate burst of ripe garden strawberry, more jammy than tart, with a delicate whisper of cherry syrup and a touch of soft floral nectar in the background. Some noses also pick up a hint of creamy candy that rounds out any sharp edges.
In the traditional perfume pyramid ingredients are grouped into top, middle and base notes according to how fast they evaporate. Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate settles into the middle zone. It arrives quickly after the most volatile notes lift but stays long enough to give body and fullness to the heart of a composition.
Projection is moderate so the strawberry aura can be noticed without overwhelming the room. Longevity on skin or fabric sits around four to six hours which lets it bridge the fresher opening and the deeper drydown without needing heavy dosage.
How & Where To Use Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate
Perfumers typically introduce Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate when a recipe calls for an authentic strawberry lift that feels lively rather than candy-like. It shines in fruit top notes and can anchor a berry accord when blended with raspberry ketone, aldehyde C-16 strawberry or traces of damascone for extra depth. In floral bouquets a small dose brightens rose, peony and jasmine, adding a mouthwatering sheen that keeps petals from feeling dusty.
Usage levels usually sit between 0.1 % and 3 % of the total concentrate, though some functional products can tolerate up to 5 %. At very low concentrations it gives a gentle juicy nuance that simply freshens the mix. Push it higher and the strawberry becomes unmistakable, risking a syrupy effect if not counterbalanced with crisp citrus or airy musks. Above the recommended ceiling it can flatten the overall complexity and may contribute to cloying longevity on fabric.
The material dissolves readily in ethanol, triethyl citrate and most perfume oils so it rarely needs a cosolvent. If working in water-based formulas, preblend in a small amount of propylene glycol to avoid cloudiness. Because it is a clear liquid it integrates quickly during the weigh-in stage with no need for heating. Allow at least 24 h for a trial mod to macerate as the note can soften and integrate after initial mix.
Applications are broad: fine fragrance, body mists, shampoos, fabric conditioners and bar soap all accept it well. In powder detergents its fruity kick survives the wash even after high-temperature processing. The one weak spot is high-pH bleach cleaners where the molecule may hydrolyze, reducing impact and adding off notes.
When choosing between Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate and other strawberry materials, reach for it when you want clarity and moderate tenacity without the sharp acetaldehydic sparkle of aldehyde C-16 or the heavy warmth of fruity lactones. It pairs smoothly with gourmand facets like vanilla or caramel yet will not overwhelm delicate tea or green nuances when dosed carefully.
No special prep beyond standard dilution is required, though keeping a 10 % solution on hand can speed up bench work and helps avoid accidental overdosing during small scale trials.
Safety Using Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate
Dilution is key. Always create a working solution before evaluating the scent and never sniff straight from the stock bottle. Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to prevent inhaling concentrated vapors. Gloves and safety glasses provide a simple barrier against accidental splashes or skin contact.
Like many aroma chemicals Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate can trigger irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher doses or with prolonged skin exposure. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with a healthcare professional before routine handling. Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally regarded as safe yet extended contact with neat material may lead to headaches or dermatitis.
If the liquid touches skin wash with soap and cool water. Should it enter the eyes rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if discomfort persists. Store absorbent wipes and a spill kit nearby to manage accidental leaks efficiently.
Always review the latest material safety data sheet from your supplier as formulations and advice can change. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum allowable levels in each product category to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate
Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate stays happiest in a cool dark cupboard where temperatures remain steady and direct sunlight never reaches the glass. Refrigeration is not mandatory yet it can slow color change and extend shelf life if you have space. Wherever you place it be sure the spot is dry and away from heaters or windows.
Choose glass bottles with tight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These liners form a cushion that seals better than basic screw tops and far better than dropper bulbs that let air creep in. Topping up bottles or transferring the liquid to smaller vials as you decant keeps headspace minimal which cuts down on oxidation and keeps the strawberry tone crisp.
If you work from a 10 % solution keep that blend in the same style container, label it clearly with the concentration, date and safety icons so nothing gets mistaken on a busy bench. A splash of inert gas like nitrogen before closing is optional but helpful for long gaps between uses.
Spills wipe up easily with paper towels or absorbent granules then go into a sealed bag for chemical waste disposal. Do not rinse bulk leftovers into the sink since municipal treatment may not break the molecule down fully. Instead pour unwanted stock into a labeled waste drum headed for licensed disposal or a solvent recycling service. Small residue in cleaned bottles can usually be handled through normal glass recycling once fully aired out but check local rules first.
Current data suggest moderate biodegradability yet the low vapor pressure means it lingers longer in soil and water if released, so responsible handling protects both the workspace and the environment.
Summary
Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate is a clear liquid aroma chemical from IFF that delivers an instantly recognizable fresh strawberry note. It slots into fruity top accords, lifts florals and keeps its sparkle through wash cycles which makes it popular in fine fragrance, soaps and fabric care.
The material is affordable, readily available and stable in most formulations though it can darken over time if exposed to air or heat. Its scent profile is specific so overdosing can push a blend into syrupy territory but used with balance it brings mouthwatering appeal without effort.
Commercial buyers can order drums directly from IFF or major distributors while hobbyists will find smaller sizes through specialty resellers and generic producers that match the same CAS 121-39-1 grade. Handle it with the usual lab precautions, store it cool and tightly sealed and you will have a reliable strawberry ally ready whenever a creation needs a juicy kick.