The Mystery Of Phenol In Fragrances: Unveiling The Truth

Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is a pungent, acrid, smoky-scented organic compound. It is often associated with tar, bitumen, and hot tarmac. Phenol was first isolated from coal tar, and it is produced on a large scale (about 7 million tonnes a year) from petroleum-derived feedstocks. It is used in the production of plastics and related materials, as well as in the synthesis of drugs such as aspirin. Phenol is also a component in some fragrances, particularly those with leathery or smoky notes, such as Chanel's Cuir de Russie and Annick Goutal's Eau de Fier.

Phenol is an organic compound with a pungent, acrid, smoky scent

In fragrances, the term "phenolic" is used to describe leathery scents, such as Chanel's Cuir de Russie, Etro Gomma, Knize Ten, and Bvlgari Black. These fragrances often combine resinous notes, such as birch tar, with the phenolic facets, resulting in a smoky, tarry, and acrid aroma.

The scent of phenol is so strong that it can linger on the skin for several days, even after extensive washing. This is because phenol, being an acidic compound, can degrade the protective layers of the skin and partially diffuse into deeper layers. Therefore, it is important to handle phenol with care and avoid prolonged skin contact, as it can cause chemical burns and skin irritation.

Phenol was first isolated from coal tar

Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, phenolic acid, or benzenol, is an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula C6H5OH. It is a colourless crystalline solid that is volatile and mildly acidic.

Phenol can be extracted from coal tar streams, but today, it is almost exclusively produced by the oxidation of cumene and the subsequent cleavage of cumene hydroperoxide to form phenol and acetone. This process is known as the cumene process or Hock process and accounts for about 95% of phenol production. Phenol is an important industrial commodity, with about 7 million tonnes produced annually, and is used as a precursor to many materials and compounds. For instance, phenol is used in the synthesis of plastics and related materials, the production of polycarbonates and epoxies, and the manufacture of herbicides, wood preservatives, and pharmaceuticals.

Overall, the isolation of phenol from coal tar by Runge marked a significant discovery that has led to its large-scale production and various applications in industries such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, and chemistry.

Phenol is highly reactive and requires careful handling

Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is a highly reactive organic compound that requires careful handling. It is a white crystalline solid with a distinct, sweet, acrid odour. Phenol is commonly used in tissue preservation, DNA/RNA extraction, and the production of plastics, nylon, and other synthetic fibres.

Phenol is highly corrosive and can cause severe chemical burns, permanent eye damage, blindness, and scarring. It is essential to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling phenol, including chemical goggles, a face shield, long sleeves, impervious shoes, and chemically resistant gloves.

In addition to its corrosive properties, phenol is also toxic. It can be absorbed through the skin and act as a systemic toxin, causing numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, tremors, loss of coordination, shock, coma, convulsions, organ damage, and even death. Ingestion of phenol can be fatal, with symptoms including irritation, swelling, burns, internal bleeding, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased blood pressure, shock, and collapse.

Phenol is also flammable and can decompose into hazardous carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide during a fire. It should be stored and transported in a closed-loop system to prevent spills and leaks.

Overall, phenol is a highly reactive substance that requires careful handling to prevent accidents and exposure. It is important to follow safety protocols and wear appropriate PPE when working with this chemical to minimise the risk of injury or harm.

Phenol is used in fragrances to describe leathery scents

Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is an organic compound with a pungent, acrid, smoky scent. It is often described as tar-like and dry, with the potential to veer into a bitumen-like or hot tarmac-like smell. Phenol is commonly associated with natural sources such as tea, coffee, chocolate, and yerba mate. Even fruits like pomegranates and blackcurrants can exhibit phenolic facets, with a tangy top note.

In perfumery, phenol is primarily used to describe leathery fragrances. Fragrances like Chanel Cuir de Russie, Etro Gomma, Knize Ten, and Bvlgari Black are known for their leathery, phenolic notes. Birch tar, a key ingredient in the Chanel fragrance, showcases the versatile nature of phenolic scents, blending resinous and phenolic aspects.

The term "phenolic" is often used as a sub-division of a more general resin group, much like how "terpenic" is a nuanced division within the citrus and resin categories. Annick Goutal's Eau de Fier is an excellent example of a fragrance that embodies the essence of phenolic, with its scarce and exclusive scent.

Phenol was first isolated from coal tar, which was derived from the pyrolysis of pine trees and peat. This historical connection to tar further reinforces the association between phenol and its leathery, smoky, and tarry olfactory characteristics.

Phenol is a versatile compound, not only used in fragrances but also playing a crucial role in various industrial applications, pharmaceuticals, and even historical milestones like antiseptic surgery.

Phenol is a measurable component in the aroma and taste of Islay Scotch whisky

Phenol itself has a medicinal or antiseptic aroma and is used as an antiseptic in surgery. It is toxic, but the concentration in whisky is not high enough to cause harm. Phenol is just one molecule within the broader family of "phenols," which have different flavours and aromas. For instance, syringol and guaiacol are also found in peated whisky, with syringol providing a smoky aroma and guaiacol a smoky flavour.

The concentration of phenols in peated whisky is measured in parts per million (PPM). The phenolic concentration in the barley used to produce whisky can be over 160 PPM, but this is different from the amount in the distillate, which is generally around 30 PPM.

The unique flavour and aroma of Islay Scotch whisky can be attributed to the presence of phenols, particularly those derived from the burning of peat.

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