Phenylethanol

Phenethyl alcohol, or 2-phenylethanol, is the organic compound that consists of a phenethyl group (C₆H₅CH₂CH₂) group attached to OH. It is a colourless liquid that is slightly soluble in water (2 ml/100 ml H₂O), but miscible with most organic solvents. It occurs widely in nature, being found in a variety of essential oils. It has a pleasant floral odor.

Phenethyl alcohol is found in extract of rose, carnation, hyacinth, Aleppo pine, orange blossom, ylang-ylang, geranium, neroli, and champaca. It is also an autoantibiotic produced by the fungus Candida albicans 

It is therefore a common ingredient in flavors and perfumery, particularly when the odor of rose is desired. It is used as an additive in cigarettes. It is also used as a preservative in soaps due to its stability in basic conditions. It is of interest due to its antimicrobial properties.