Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol has germicidal and germistatic properties.^[6] It is often used together with quaternary ammonium compounds.

Phenoxyethanol is used as a perfume fixative; an insect repellent; an antiseptic;^[7] a solvent for cellulose acetate, dyes, inks, and resins; a preservative for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and lubricants;^[8] an anesthetic in fish aquaculture;^[9][10] and in organic synthesis.

It is an alternative to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.^[11] In Japan and the European Union, its concentration in cosmetics is restricted to 1%.^[12][13]

Phenoxyethanol was first prepared by W. H. Perkin Jr. and his graduate student Edward Haworth in 1896.^[14] They reacted sodium, phenol and 2-chloroethanol in anhydrous ethanol.^[15] Starting from the 1920s, it has been commercially available as a cellulose acetate solvent under the trademark of "Phenyl cellosolve".^[16]

The compound is produced in the industry by the hydroxyethylation of phenol (Williamson synthesis), for example, in the presence of alkali-metal hydroxides or alkali-metal borohydrides.^[1]

Phenoxyethanol is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and the yeast Candida albicans.^[17]

Phenoxyethanol is a vaccine preservative and potential allergen, which may result in a nodular reaction at the site of injection. Possible symptoms include rashes, eczema, and possible death.^[18] It reversibly inhibits NMDAR-mediated ion currents.^[19]

In view of phenoxyethanol's widespread use, its biodegradation has been examined. One pathway entails initial conversion to phenol and acetaldehyde.^[20]