PHENOXETOL

CAS Number: 770-35-4
EC Number: 212-222-7

Phenoxetol = 2-Phenoxy-1-methylethanol = Phenoxyethyl alcohol

Phenoxetol™ is an ideal animicrobial preservative for aqueous products based on anionic, nonionic or amphoteric surfactants. 
Phenoxetol is widely used as an antimicrobial preservative for cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical applications, such as shampoos, foam baths, shower gels or liquid detergents. 
This product is chemically inert and is therefore compatible with the majority of types of chemical compounds.

Phenoxetol®
Technical Datasheet | Supplied by Clariant
Phenoxyethanol. 
Phenoxetol® Clariant acts as an antimicrobial preservative. 
Phenoxetol is compatible with anionic, non-ionic, or amphoteric surfactants. 
Phenoxetol is effective against waterborne Gram negative bacteria. 
Phenoxetol® is used in shampoos, foam baths and shower gels.

Synonym(s):Propylene glycol phenyl ether, Propylene phenoxytol
Linear Formula:C6H5OCH2CH(OH)CH3
CAS Number:770-35-4
Molecular Weight:152.19
Beilstein:1941356
EC Number:212-222-7
MDL number:MFCD00016861
PubChem Substance ID:329767919

grade: technical
assay: ≥80% (GC)
refractive index: 
n20/D 1.523 (lit.)
n20/D 1.525
bp: 243 °C (lit.)
solubility. water: soluble 15.1 g/L at 20 °C
density: 1.064 g/mL at 20 °C (lit.)
SMILES string: CC(O)COc1ccccc1
InChI: 1S/C9H12O2/c1-8(10)7-11-9-5-3-2-4-6-9/h2-6,8,10H,7H2,1H3
InChI key: IBLKWZIFZMJLFL-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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Phenoxyethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a very slight odor and is used as a preservative in cosmetic products and also as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps.
Phenoxetol is an ethereal alcohol with aromatic properties, which is naturally found and produced.
Phenoxyethanol is stable up to 85 ° C (185 ° F) and has a useful activity of pH 3 to 10.
Phenoxetol is soluble in most oils. It is also partially soluble in water from 0.5 to 2.67 grams per 100 grams of water.
Phenoxetol is miscible with propylene glycol and glycerol.
Phenoxetol is considered a safe and effective preservative when used in quantities approved for use in cosmetic products that are left or rinsed.
Usage rate: 0.25 – 1% in the finished product

Abstract
PROPYLENE phenoxetol has been found to be a suitable anæsthetic for fish at this laboratory. 
Phenoxetolsubstance has been used as a preserving agent by Owen and Steedman1,2 and as a narcotic for relaxing animals prior to fixing for histological examination3. 
As an anæsthetic it has, like M.S.222, the advantage over urethane of not being a known carcinogenic substance. 
I have used it to quieten live fish when they are being weighed, and also as a narcotic to relax fish so that they may be fixed with the fin rays extended.

Alternative Name
PGPhE
CAS Number: 770-35-4
Formula: C9-H12-O2
Major Category: Solvents
Propylene phenoxetol formula graphical representation
Synonyms:
PGPhE; 
[Glycol Ethers Online] 1-Phenoxy-2-propanol; 
2-Phenoxy-1-methylethanol;
Phenoxyisopropanol; 
1-Phenoxypropan-2-ol;
2-Propanol, 1-phenoxy-; 
[ChemIDplus] Propylene glycol phenyl ether; 
PPh; 
[Reference #1]
Category
Glycol Ethers (P Series)
Description
Clear liquid; [Reference #1]
1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane
2-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
Arosol
b-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
beta-phenoxyethyl alcohol
dowanol ep
dowanol eph
emeressence 1160
emery 6705
Ethylene glycol mono phenyl ether
Ethylene glycol phenyl ether
Euxyl K 400
glycol monophenyl ether
Phenoxethol
Phenoxetol
Phenoxyethyl alcohol
Phenoxyl ethanol
phenoxytol
Phenyl cellosolve
phenylmonoglycol ether
rose ether
ethane-1,2-diol-1,1'-oxydibenzene (1:1)
2-phenoxy ethanol
Sources/Uses
Permitted for use as an inert ingredient in non-food pesticide products; [EPA] Used as a solvent for paints, coatings, films, textile dyes and printing pastes, inks in ball point and felt tip pens, stamp pads, and paint removers, as a coalescent in water-based coatings and adhesives, and in cosmetics and soaps (possesses antibacterial properties); [Reference #1]
Comments
Severely irritating to eyes and not irritating to skin in rabbits; Not a skin sensitizer in guinea pigs using the Buehler method; [Reference #1] Thermodynamically favored alpha isomer (secondary alcohol) comprising over 85% of the commercial product; CAS# 4169-04-4 is the beta isomer (primary alcohol), and CAS# 41593-38-8 is for the commercial product of mixed isomers; [Reference #1] May cause irritation; [Acros Organics MSDS]

On 10 June 2011, the US National Toxicology Program described formaldehyde as "known to be a human carcinogen". 
However, formaldehyde is not just a human carcinogen but the cause of other many hazards; respiratory distress, red eyes, etc. 
Occupational health authorities throughout the world are therefore likely to increase the strictness of regulations for the use of formaldehyde within anatomical disciplines. 
This study evaluates an alternative for formaldehyde as a preservative for cadavers and human tissues. 
Tissue samples preserved in 4% formaldehyde were compared with those in 1% Phenoxetol (prefixed in formaldehyde) over a year. 
Histology slides prepared using Phenoxetol as a preservative were also compared with the conventional ones. 
The soft consistency, color and flexibility, especially at joints of specimens preserved in Phenoxetol, were found to be suitable for dissection, demonstration and display purposes. 
Culture of the eleven tissue samples showed no growth after seventy-two h. Microscopic structure of the tissues remained satisfactory when processed with 1% Phenoxetol. 
Students also found experience with cadavers preserved in phenoxetol very pleasant as it has a fruity smell as compared to the offensive odor of formaldehyde. 
Phenoxetol is a suitable alternative for the preservation of specimens. 
However efforts have to be made to reduce or replace the use of formaldehyde as a primary fixative.

What is phenoxyethanol? 
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in many cosmetics and personal care products. 
You may have a cabinet full of products containing this ingredient in your home, whether you know it or not.

Chemically, phenoxyethanol is known as a glycol ether, or in other words, a solvent. 
CosmeticsInfo.org describes phenoxyethanol as “an oily, slightly sticky liquid with a faint rose-like scent.”

You likely come into contact with this chemical on a regular basis. 
But is it safe? The evidence is mixed.

We’ll review the most relevant scientific research about this common cosmetics ingredient. 
You can decide whether you’d like to keep or banish it from your personal care products arsenal.

How’s Phenoxetol used? 
Many mainstream and boutique cosmetics products contain phenoxyethanol. 
Phenoxetol often used as a preservative or stabilizer for other ingredients that might otherwise deteriorate, spoil, or become less effective too quickly.

Phenoxyethanol is also used in other industries, including in vaccines and textiles. 
This article focuses on its role in topical cosmetics.

How does it appear on the label? 
You might see this ingredient listed in a few ways:

phenoxyethanol
ethylene glycol monophenyl ether
2-Phenoxyethanol
PhE
dowanol
arosol
phenoxetol
rose ether
phenoxyethyl alcohol
beta-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
euxyl K® 400, a mixture of Phenoxyethanol and 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane

Reports on the unsatisfactory results in the use of Phenoxetol (1-phenoxyethanol) as a long-term preservative for fish. 
After 14 years in phenoxetol, fish were found to be in various stages of decomposition. 
Phenoxetol is concluded that 70% Industrial Methylated Spirit (IMS) is a more satisfactory long-term preservative. 

Abstract
Reports on the unsatisfactory results in the use of Phenoxetol (1-phenoxyethanol) as a long-term preservative for fish. 
After 14 years in phenoxetol, fish were found to be in various stages of decomposition. 
Phenoxetol is concluded that 70% Industrial Methylated Spirit (IMS) is a more satisfactory long-term preservative. 
The work was carried out at the British Museum (Natural History) in London. -- AATA

Phenoxetol paper briefly reports experiments in rabbits, rats, and mice, showing that phenoxetol has a low toxicity: it is otherwise concerned with the use of this substance in treating infection by Ps. pyocyanea. 
A 2-2 per cent, solution was swabbed over the wound, or gauze soaked in it either applied for 5 minutes or left on under an occlusive dressing: applica, tion in either case was made once a day. 
The effects of this treatment in 8 wounds of various kinds are described: infection with Ps. pyocyanea was eliminated in every case, sometimes within four days, and with benefit in spite of the persistence of staphylococcal and other infections. 
Tuberculous cavities undergoing Monaldi drainage were irrigated with phenoxetol solution with the same effect. 
Phenoxetol authors are now studying the use of phenoxetol combined with flavines, penicillin and sulphona-mides. 
[The minimum bacteriostatic concentration of phenoxetol for Ps. pyocyanea being 0-4 per cent. 
the solution applied would lose activity if diluted much more than 5 times by the wound discharge. 
After application by the methods described considerably greater dilution than this would be expected before a further daily application was due. 
There is certainly no other effective wound antiseptic for which the margin between the concentration applied and the minimum effective concentration is so narrow. 
To explain the clinical results it seems necessary to assume that phenoxetol has an action on Ps py-ocyanea other than that revealed by simple in vitro tests.] L. P. Garrod.

Phenoxyethanol labelled as Phenoxetol (INCI) on cosmetic products according to the INCI system (international guideline for the correct declaration of ingredients of cosmetics).

Properties:Phenoxetol  is one of the most widely used preservatives in personal care products in the world. 
Phenoxetol is a versatile preservative with a wide range of uses, from detergent-based products such as bath foams to skin care foundations, hair products and eye make-up materials. 
They are also used as a preservative in industrial products such as metalworking fluids, printing inks, adhesives. 
Phenoxetol biocidal alcohol is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties as well as being a general coformulant due to its excellent solvent properties.

Benefits:
-Broad spectrum activity including gram negative and gram positive bacteria, yeast and molds,
-Especially effective against pseudomonas spp and other gram-negative bacteria that cause problems,
-pH: stable and effective between 3-8.5,
-Does not irritate eyes, skin and mucous membranes at normal use concentrations,
-Does not show skin sensitivity,
-retain their activity in the presence of proteins and nonionic surfactants and many of the other known components of personal care products,
- Phenoxetol shows low volatility at room temperature, there is no loss of preservative even in long storage,
-Ease of liquid processing,
-About 2.4% soluble in water, considerably above typical use concentrations,
-Approved for use in Europe, America, Japan and other major personal care markets.

Solubility, stability, compatibility: Phenoxetol is completely miscible with a wide range of glycols and alcohols (such as ethanol, propanol and propylene glycol) and moderately soluble in water (2.4%). 
This allows for easy incorporation into a wide variety of formulations. 
This product has excellent solvent properties, so it can be used to dissolve active materials and raw materials with poor solubility profile.

Phenoxetol the presence of acids and alkalis, it also shows extreme stability under high temperature conditions. 
Phenoxetol is therefore durable in hot production processes and provides effective control over a wide pH range.

Compatible with most commonly used surfactants. (anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric) 
Phenoxetol is also compatible with other antimicrobials (eg 2,4 dichlorobenzyl alcohol, 1,2-dibromo-2-4 diisocyanobutane: DBDCB and iodopropynyl butyl carbamate: IPBC and parabens).

Applications: Phenoxetol is used in the range of 0.5-1.0% in detergent-based products such as shampoos and bath foams. 
Phenoxetol does not lose its activity with proteins and can be used in protein-based products in the range of 0.5-1.0%.

Low concentrations of Phenoxetol can be used in combination with other preservatives such as parabens to increase antifungal activity.

Phenoxetol can be used at a rate of 10-15% in metalworking fluid concentrates that can be mixed with water and emulsified with water. 
Phenoxetol is designed to achieve a concentration of approximately 0.5% in the final in-use dilution, thus providing good antimicrobial protection to the liquid in use.

Recommended use levels for other industrial treatments are in the range of 0.5-1%, depending on system conditions and the presence of other biocides.

Usage: Phenoxetol dissolves easily in many non-aqueous materials and can be added directly to detergent-based products without heating. 
In emulsions, Phenoxetol can be added either in the phase before emulsification or immediately after, with rapid mixing. 
Phenoxetol is used in liquid mixtures of many broad-spectrum preservatives with the help of its dual advantages of solubility and activity.

Scope of application:
Phenoxetol the protection of consumer products: In the protection of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toiletries, daily household goods and raw materials,
Phenoxetol the protection of industrial products: In the protection of technical products such as metalworking fluids, adhesives and industrial additives,
As an infection preventative on surfaces and instruments:
Phenoxetol is used in product formulations used as an infection preventative in hard surfaces and medical materials.

Other uses: As a solvent in printing pastes and stamp inks due to its solvent properties ; in the cosmetic industry as a binder for soaps and perfumes   (preventing change and fading), in the manufacture of emulsions for photosensitivity films, as a component of hydraulic fluids, as   an additive for cleaners (e.g. for metals and floors) , air purifiers (disinfectants) and plasticizers. 
Phenoxetol is also used as a solvent for resins in wire enamels.

Antimicrobial activity: Phenoxetol has moderate activity against a comprehensive range of microorganisms. 
For this reason, it is often used to increase the activity of other antimicrobials or in   combination with other active substances.
Its activity extends over a wide pH range, meaning it can be used in a wide variety of formulations. 
Minimum stopping concentrations are given in the table.

A controlled clinical trial was conducted to compare the value of a cream containing 2% phenoxetol and 0·2% chlorhexidine as a prophylactic agent against wound infection in patients with burns affecting up to 15% total body surface area. 
The acquisition of bacteria was similar in the two treatment groups but the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus in the burns treated with phenoxetol-chlorhexidine cream was significantly lower. 
The incidence of gram-negative bacilli was low in the two treatment groups, and no wound yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 
Unlike preparations containing silver, phenoxetol-chlorhexidine does not cause electrolyte imbalance or stain materials with which it comes into contact, and it did not produce adverse effects during this trial.

PROPYLENE phenoxetol has been found to be a suitable anæsthetic for fish at this laboratory. 
Phenoxetol substance has been used as a preserving agent by Owen and Steedman1,2 and as a narcotic for relaxing animals prior to fixing for histological examination3. 
As an anæsthetic it has, like M.S.222, the advantage over urethane of not being a known carcinogenic substance. 
I have used it to quieten live fish when they are being weighed, and also as a narcotic to relax fish so that they may be fixed with the fin rays extended

Mortality among Pteria penguin can be caused by severe stress during the half-pearl (mabe) implantation procedure. 
Anaesthetics can play a major role in reducing stress and resulting mortality. 
Three different concentrations of 1-propylene phenoxetol (2.8 mL L-1, 3.0 mL L-1, 3.2 mL L-1) and two different concentrations
of benzocaine (500 mg L-1, 1200 mg L-1) were assessed for their effectiveness as anaesthetics for P. penguin. 
Different concentrations and anaesthetics tested had an influence (P<0.05) on the period required for relaxation of the oysters. 
However, the recovery time and oyster mortalities at different concentrations were not significantly different (P>0.05). 1-propylene phenoxetol at a concentration of 3.0 mL L-1 was the best of the anaesthetics tested and brought about anaesthesia after an average of 15 minutes with an average recovery time of 12.5 minutes. 
This treatment also recorded the lowest mortality of the various treatments tested. 

Goods and ServicesChemical products for use in industry, science, photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry except fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and parasiticides; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; soil fertilizers; fire-extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering chemicals; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning materials; adhesives for use in industry
Goods and ServicesBleaching preparations and other substances in the nature of detergent and softeners for laundry use; cleaning, polishing and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices
Classification Information
International Class001 
- Chemicals used in industry, science and photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; manures; fire extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry. 
- Chemicals used in industry, science and photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; manures; fire extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry.

A simple, rapid separation in gram quantities of isomeric phenoxy-propanols present in a commercially available antimicrobial (propylene phenoxetol) is described. Use of the peak shaving-recycling technique gave products of >99% purity. 
The structural identity of each isomer was established by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Summary: Effects of phenol, 2-phenoxyethanol and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide on the oxygen uptake of suspensions of Escherichia coli supplied with various single oxidizable substrates were examined. 
Phenol and 2-phenoxyethanol at low concentrations caused a stimulation of oxygen uptake in the presence of mannitol, glucose or lactose which was not associated with an increase in viable count, no stimulation with glycerol, and a retarded oxygen uptake with lactate, succinate or pyruvate. 
At higher concentrations phenol and 2-phenoxyethanol caused a retardation of oxygen uptake with all substrates, the degree varying with the substrate. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide was toxic at very low concentrations and no stimulation of oxygen uptake by low concentrations or differential response in presence of different substrates was found.

The contents of a tube of freeze-dried material were reconstituted with nutrient broth, grown at 37° for 18 hr., then subcultured twice and inoculated on to nutrient agar. 
After 24 hr. at 37° this slope was stored at room temperature and served as the immediate source of organism during 3–4 weeks, after which a new slope was made from another freeze-dried tube. 
This method yielded organisms giving reproducible results. 
For the preparation of suspensions, a third subculture from the agar slope, grown in 5 ml. nutrient broth for 18 hr. at 37°, was used to inoculate 250 ml. nutrient agar contained in a 3 l. Thomson culture bottle. 
This culture was incubated at 37° for 48 hr., the cells washed off with the Ringer’s solution, the suspension centrifuged twice and resuspended in Ringer’s solution. 
Suspensions so prepared were standardized by means of a photoelectric nephelometer to contain 6·2–6·8 mg. dry weight cells/ml. and stored at 4°. 
Under these conditions suspensions retained their activity for at least 8 days.

The usual Warburg technique was used. Usually the main compartment of the Warburg vessel contained 1 ml. substrate (0·02m) in phosphate buffer (0·05m) and 0·5 ml. solution of the antiseptic; in side arm, 0·5 ml. bacterial suspension; in centre well 0·2 ml. 20 % NaOH solution and an 18 mm. square of folded filter paper. 
To study higher concentrations of the relatively insoluble phenoxetol, the main vessel contained 0·5 ml. of 0·04 m substrate in 0·1 m phosphate buffer and 1 ml. of antiseptic solution. The gas phase was air; all measurements were made at 37° and 100 oscillations/min.

The effects of the three antiseptics on the oxidations of mannitol, glucose, lactose, glycerol, pyruvate, lactate and succinate were studied, at substrate concentration 0·01 m to ensure excess. 
With zero and low concentrations of antiseptics the relationship between time and oxygen uptake was linear, except with lactose, when the rate increased during the first 60 min. 
The rate of oxidation was proportional to the volume of bacterial suspension used. 
In Figs. 1–4 the oxygen uptake values in presence of antiseptic are expressed as percentages of the uptake in the absence of antiseptic at the time stated. 
The activity of the suspensions under the conditions adopted can be judged from the following Qo2, values (μl. O2/mg. dry weight cells/hr.) for various substrates: succinate (114), glucose (100), lactate (88), pyruvate (82), glycerol (80), mannitol (72), lactose (48).

Each experiment involved a study of the time course of oxygen uptake in presence of graded doses of antiseptic and a single substrate. From these observations two types of curve were constructed: 
(a) time-graded action curves where, for each antiseptic concentration, the oxygen uptake was plotted against time; 
(b) dose-response curves where dose of antiseptic was plotted against volume of oxygen utilized at the end of a given period.

Phenoxetol has broad spectrum activity including gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, yeasts and moulds. 
Phenoxetol is particularly effective against Pseudomonas spp. and other problematic gram-negative bacteria. 
Phenoxetol has dual advantages of solvency and activity.
Phenoxetol is a versatile preservative which has a wide range of uses from detergent based products such as foam baths through to skincare foundations and make up.
Phenoxetol is stable and effective over the range of pH 3.0-8.5, at elevated temperatures in excess of 80℃. 
Phenoxetol has low volatility at ambient temperatures.
Phenoxetol is permitted for use in Europe, USA and Japan and all other significant personal care market

Use of Phenoxetol
Phenoxtol is readily soluble in many non-aqueous ingredients and may be added directly to detergent-based products without heating.
Phenoxetol emulsions, Phenoxetol may be added to either phase prior to emulsification, or immediately afterwards with continued rapid mixing.

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