2phenylethanal

2-Phenylethanal, also known as phenylacetaldehyde, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C8H8O. It is an aldehyde with a phenyl group attached to the ethyl chain. This compound is a colorless liquid at room temperature and has a characteristic floral, hyacinth-like odor. It occurs naturally in some plants, contributing to their scent. It is also a component of some essential oils.

Phenylacetaldehyde is used in the fragrance industry as a synthetic flavoring agent and perfume ingredient, often for floral scents like hyacinth and rose. It can be synthesized through various chemical reactions, including the oxidation of 2-phenylethanol or the rearrangement of styrene oxide. In chemical research, it serves as a building block in the synthesis of more complex organic molecules. While it has a pleasant aroma, it can be an irritant and should be handled with appropriate precautions. Its reactivity as an aldehyde makes it susceptible to oxidation and other chemical transformations.