4-Phenyl-2-butanol

Synonym(s):α−Methyl-benzenepropanol

CAS NO.：2344-70-9
Empirical Formula: C10H14O
Molecular Weight: 150.22
MDL number: MFCD00044349
EINECS: 219-055-9
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-05-28 02:54:50

What is 4-Phenyl-2-butanol?

Chemical properties

CLEAR COLOURLESS LIQUID

Chemical properties

4-Phenyl-2-butanol has a herbaceous, aromatic, floral-fruity odor.

The Uses of 4-Phenyl-2-butanol

4-Phenyl-2-butanol is a reagent used for the direct alkylation of amines with primary and secondary alcohols through biocatalytic hydrogen borrowing. It is also used in the preparation of personal care composition comprising malodor reduction compositions.

Preparation

The optically inactive product can be prepared by hydrogenation of benzylidene acetone in alcohol solution; under pressure in the presence of platinum oxide, palladium oxide or ferrous sulfate; by reduction with magnesium in methanol.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron Letters, 30, p. 6461, 1989 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(01)88994-2

General Description

4-Phenyl-2-butanol undergoes (η⁵-pentaphenylcyclopentadienyl)RuCl(CO)₂ catalyzed racemization efficiently at room temperature in the presence of a base. 4-Phenyl-2-butanol on reaction with sulfuric acid yields polymer.

Properties of 4-Phenyl-2-butanol

Melting point:	61 °C
Boiling point:	132 °C/14 mmHg (lit.)
Density	0.970 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
refractive index	n20/D 1.5140(lit.)
FEMA	2879 \| 4-PHENYL-2-BUTANOL
Flash point:	231 °F
storage temp.	Sealed in dry,Room Temperature
solubility	Almost insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and oils
pka	15.10±0.20(Predicted)
form	liquid
color	Colorless
Odor	at 100.00 %. floral peony foliage sweet mimosa heliotrope
JECFA Number	815
BRN	1908294
CAS DataBase Reference	2344-70-9(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	4-Phenyl-2-butanol(2344-70-9)

Safety information for 4-Phenyl-2-butanol

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H302:Acute toxicity,oral H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.