An official website of the United States government

Phenoxyethanol

PubChem CID
31236
Structure
Phenoxyethanol_small.png
Phenoxyethanol_3D_Structure.png
Molecular Formula
Synonyms
  • 2-PHENOXYETHANOL
  • Phenoxyethanol
  • 122-99-6
  • Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether
  • Phenyl cellosolve
Molecular Weight
138.16 g/mol
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Dates
  • Create:
    2005-03-26
  • Modify:
    2025-01-04
Description
Ethylene glycol phenyl ether is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Density 1.02 g / cm3. An irritant.
2-phenoxyethanol is an aromatic ether that is phenol substituted on oxygen by a 2-hydroxyethyl group. It has a role as an antiinfective agent and a central nervous system depressant. It is a primary alcohol, a glycol ether and an aromatic ether. It is functionally related to a phenol.
Phenoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It is a glycol ether used as a perfume fixative, insect repellent, antiseptic, solvent, preservative, and also as an anesthetic in fish aquaculture. Phenoxyethanol is an ether alcohol with aromatic properties. It is both naturally found and manufactured synthetically. Demonstrating antimicrobial ability, phenoxyethanol acts as an effective preservative in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and lubricants. Phenoxyethanol (EU), or PE, is the most commonly used globally-approved preservative in personal care formulations. It is very easy to use in various types of formulations and is chemically stable. Phenoxyethanol is a colorless, clear, oily liquid with a faint aromatic odor at room temperature and a low water solubility and evaporation rate. It is produced by reacting phenol (EU) and ethylene oxide (EU) at a high temperature and pressure. This substance occurs naturally in green tea (EU). According to the European Union Cosmetics Regulation (EC) n.1223/2009, phenoxyethanol is authorized as a preservative in cosmetic formulations at a maximum concentration of 1.0%. Phenoxyethanol has been classified as an antimicrobial and preservative by Health Canada. It has also been used in vaccines and shown to inactivate bacteria, and several types of yeast.

1 Structures

1.1 2D Structure

Chemical Structure Depiction
Phenoxyethanol.png

1.2 3D Conformer

1.3 Crystal Structures

COD records with this CID as component

2 Names and Identifiers

2.1 Computed Descriptors

2.1.1 IUPAC Name

2-phenoxyethanol
Computed by Lexichem TK 2.7.0 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

2.1.2 InChI

InChI=1S/C8H10O2/c9-6-7-10-8-4-2-1-3-5-8/h1-5,9H,6-7H2
Computed by InChI 1.0.6 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

2.1.3 InChIKey

QCDWFXQBSFUVSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Computed by InChI 1.0.6 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

2.1.4 SMILES

C1=CC=C(C=C1)OCCO
Computed by OEChem 2.3.0 (PubChem release 2024.12.12)

2.2 Molecular Formula

C8H10O2
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

C8H10O2

C6H5OC2H4OH

2.3 Other Identifiers

2.3.1 CAS

122-99-6
9004-78-8

2.3.2 Deprecated CAS

1020398-73-5, 37220-49-8, 56257-90-0
1020398-73-5, 1630984-41-6, 2975567-02-1, 37220-49-8, 56257-90-0
134367-25-2, 18249-17-7, 1903753-85-4, 200260-63-5, 2095830-81-0, 37813-33-5, 79586-53-1

2.3.3 European Community (EC) Number

2.3.4 UNII

2.3.5 ChEBI ID

2.3.6 ChEMBL ID

2.3.7 DrugBank ID

2.3.8 DSSTox Substance ID

2.3.9 FEMA Number

2.3.10 HMDB ID

2.3.11 ICSC Number

2.3.12 KEGG ID

2.3.13 Metabolomics Workbench ID

2.3.14 NCI Thesaurus Code

2.3.15 Nikkaji Number

2.3.16 NSC Number

2.3.17 RXCUI

2.3.18 Wikidata

2.3.19 Wikipedia

2.4 Synonyms

2.4.1 MeSH Entry Terms

  • 2-phenoxyethanol
  • Emuclens
  • Erisept
  • ethylene glycol monophenyl ether
  • phenoxethol
  • phenoxyethanol

2.4.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

3 Chemical and Physical Properties

3.1 Computed Properties

Property Name
Molecular Weight
Property Value
138.16 g/mol
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
XLogP3
Property Value
1.2
Reference
Computed by XLogP3 3.0 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count
Property Value
1
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count
Property Value
2
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Rotatable Bond Count
Property Value
3
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Exact Mass
Property Value
138.068079557 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Monoisotopic Mass
Property Value
138.068079557 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Topological Polar Surface Area
Property Value
29.5 Ų
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Heavy Atom Count
Property Value
10
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Formal Charge
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Complexity
Property Value
77.3
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Isotope Atom Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count
Property Value
1
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Compound Is Canonicalized
Property Value
Yes
Reference
Computed by PubChem (release 2021.10.14)

3.2 Experimental Properties

3.2.1 Physical Description

Ethylene glycol phenyl ether is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Density 1.02 g / cm3. An irritant.
Liquid
Clear liquid with a pleasant odor; [CAMEO]
OILY COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

3.2.2 Color / Form

Oily liquid
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1253
Colorless liquid
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 530

3.2.3 Odor

Faint aromatic odor
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 530

3.2.4 Taste

Burning taste
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1253

3.2.5 Boiling Point

473.4 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
245
MSDS
boiling point equals 473 °F
245.2 °C
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1253
Liquid; bp: 243 °C /2-Phenoxyethanol acetate/
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1253
237.00 to 238.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
The Good Scents Company Information System
245 °C

3.2.6 Melting Point

57 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
13
MSDS
14 °C
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1253
11-13 °C

3.2.7 Flash Point

250 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Flash point equals 250 °F
260 °F (127 °C) (Closed cup)
National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 325-62
127 °C c.c.

3.2.8 Solubility

10 to 50 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
24g/L at 20°C
MSDS
Freely soluble in alcohol, ether, and sodium hydroxide
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1253
Soluble in ethanol, alkali, chloroform
Haynes, W.M. (ed.) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 91st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 2010-2011, p. 3-522
2.67 g/100 mL water
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1253
In water, 2.6X10+4 mg/L at 20 °C
Yalkowsky, S.H., He, Yan, Jain, P. Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data Second Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL 2010, p. 512
26700 mg/L @ 20 °C (exp)
The Good Scents Company Information System
Solubility in water, g/100ml: 2.7

3.2.9 Density

1.104 (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
1.1094 at 20 °C/20 °C
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1253
Bulk density: 9.2 lb/gal
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 530
Relative density (water = 1): 1.1

3.2.10 Vapor Density

4.77 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
4.8 (Air = 1)
Harris, R.L. (Ed.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene. Volumes 1-4. 5th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, New York, N.Y. (2000)., p. V7: 86
Relative vapor density (air = 1): 4.8

3.2.11 Vapor Pressure

less than 0.01 mmHg at 68 °F ; 1 mmHg at 172.4 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
0.007 [mmHg]
0.007 mm Hg at 25 °C
Dow Chem Co; The Glycol Ethers Handbook. Midland, MI: Dow Chem Co (1990)
Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 0.0013

3.2.12 LogP

log Kow = 1.16
SRI International. 2000 Directory of Chemical Producers -- United States. SRI Consulting, Menlo Park: CA 2000, p. 49
1.160
The Good Scents Company Information System
1.2

3.2.13 Stability / Shelf Life

STABLE IN PRESENCE OF ACIDS & ALKALIES.
Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987., p. 490

3.2.14 Autoignition Temperature

500 °C

3.2.15 Decomposition

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 2904

3.2.16 Viscosity

20.5 centistokes at 25 °C
Dow Chem Co; The Glycol Ethers Handbook. Midland, MI: Dow Chem Co (1990)

3.2.17 Heat of Combustion

958 kcal/mole
Dow Chem Co; The Glycol Ethers Handbook. Midland, MI: Dow Chem Co (1990)

3.2.18 Surface Tension

42.0 dynes/cm
Dow Chem Co; The Glycol Ethers Handbook. Midland, MI: Dow Chem Co (1990)

3.2.19 Refractive Index

Index of refraction: 1.534 at 20 °C/D
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1253

3.2.20 Dissociation Constants

pKa = 15.10 at 25 °C
Serjeant, E.P., Dempsey B.; Ionisation Constants of Organic Acids in Aqueous Solution. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). IUPAC Chemical Data Series No. 23, 1979. New York, New York: Pergamon Press, Inc., p. 384

3.2.21 Relative Evaporation Rate

< 0.01 (Butyl acetate = 1.0)
Dow Chem Co; The Glycol Ethers Handbook. Midland, MI: Dow Chem Co (1990)

3.2.22 Kovats Retention Index

Standard non-polar
1191.6 , 1186 , 1210 , 1214 , 1213 , 1204.2 , 1187.1 , 1189 , 1185 , 1194
Semi-standard non-polar
1221 , 1223 , 1220 , 1226 , 1245.3 , 1226 , 1226 , 1229 , 1221
Standard polar
2103 , 2087 , 2144 , 2115 , 2126 , 2142 , 2107 , 2100 , 2130.1 , 2159.4 , 2080 , 2139

3.2.23 Other Experimental Properties

% in saturated air: 0.00096 at 25 °C
Harris, R.L. (Ed.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene. Volumes 1-4. 5th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, New York, N.Y. (2000)., p. V7: 86

3.3 SpringerMaterials Properties

3.4 Chemical Classes

3.4.1 Drugs

Pharmaceuticals -> Listed in ZINC15
S55 | ZINC15PHARMA | Pharmaceuticals from ZINC15 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3247749
Pharmaceuticals
S10 | SWISSPHARMA | Pharmaceutical List with Consumption Data | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2623484
3.4.1.1 Animal Drugs
Pharmaceuticals -> UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate List
S104 | UKVETMED | UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate's List | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.7802119

3.4.2 Cosmetics

Cosmetics ingredient -> Antioxidant; Base; Colorant; Fragrance; Other (Specify); Preservative/Stabilizer; Solvent
Cosmetic ingredients (Phenoxyethanol) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review)
Preservative
S13 | EUCOSMETICS | Combined Inventory of Ingredients Employed in Cosmetic Products (2000) and Revised Inventory (2006) | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2624118

3.4.3 Food Additives

FLAVORING AGENT OR ADJUVANT -> FDA Substance added to food

3.4.4 Fragrances

Fragrance Ingredient (2-Phenoxyethanol) -> IFRA transparency List

3.4.5 Solvents

Solvents -> Glycol Ethers (E Series)

3.4.6 Surfactants

Surfactant
S120 | DUSTCT2024 | Substances from Second NORMAN Collaborative Dust Trial | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.13835254

4 Spectral Information

4.1 1D NMR Spectra

1 of 2
1D NMR Spectra
SADTLER REF NUMBER: 248 (IR, PRISM); 84 (IR, GRATING); 99 (UV); 506 (NMR, VARIAN)
1D NMR Spectra
1H NMH: 506 (Varian Associates NMR spectra collection)
2 of 2
1D NMR Spectra

4.1.1 1H NMR Spectra

1 of 3
View All
Spectra ID
Instrument Type
JEOL
Frequency
90 MHz
Solvent
CDCl3
Shifts [ppm]:Intensity
6.98:179.00, 4.06:338.00, 7.30:254.00, 3.87:163.00, 7.29:450.00, 4.02:790.00, 7.38:170.00, 7.17:109.00, 7.03:176.00, 3.98:875.00, 6.85:358.00, 6.93:457.00, 4.09:222.00, 7.37:171.00, 6.96:1000.00, 7.32:78.00, 6.94:488.00, 4.05:393.00, 7.36:81.00, 2.36:61.00, 7.37:117.00, 6.86:436.00, 7.25:107.00, 4.07:305.00, 7.35:112.00, 7.21:426.00, 4.03:817.00, 3.94:454.00, 7.22:206.00, 3.92:334.00, 7.26:154.00, 2.40:68.00, 2.32:253.00, 7.31:159.00, 3.89:222.00, 7.04:109.00, 6.91:67.00, 2.38:58.00, 7.26:166.00, 6.88:255.00, 3.97:822.00, 7.19:393.00, 3.93:373.00, 3.90:242.00, 7.24:198.00, 4.13:143.00, 7.20:443.00, 3.88:58.00, 7.01:277.00, 4.11:191.00, 7.03:220.00, 6.85:349.00, 2.37:55.00
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
2 of 3
View All
Instrument Name
BRUKER AC-300
Source of Sample
Chem Service, Inc., West Chester, Pennsylvania
Copyright
Copyright © 1991-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail

4.1.2 13C NMR Spectra

1 of 3
View All
Spectra ID
Instrument Type
Varian
Frequency
25.16 MHz
Solvent
CDCl3
Shifts [ppm]:Intensity
69.15:463.00, 158.67:318.00, 121.00:478.00, 61.15:532.00, 114.57:1000.00, 129.49:955.00
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
2 of 3
View All
Source of Sample
MCB Manufacturing Chemists, Norwood, Ohio
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail

4.2 Mass Spectrometry

4.2.1 GC-MS

1 of 14
View All
Spectra ID
Instrument Type
EI-B
Ionization Mode
positive
Top 5 Peaks

94.0 99.99

138.0 27.93

77.0 23.31

95.0 12.84

28.0 10.68

Thumbnail
Thumbnail
Notes
instrument=Unknown
2 of 14
View All
Spectra ID
Instrument Type
EI-B
Ionization Mode
positive
Top 5 Peaks

94.0 99.99

138.0 41.80

77.0 29.40

45.0 27.70

66.0 16.40

Thumbnail
Thumbnail
Notes
instrument=JEOL JMS-01-SG-2

4.2.2 MS-MS

1 of 6
View All
Spectra ID
Instrument Type
QTOF
Ionization Mode
positive
Top 5 Peaks

121.07 43.17

91.05 25.79

103.08 6.02

93.07 5.43

85.06 4.34

Thumbnail
Thumbnail
Notes
adduct_type [M+H-H2O]+ original_collision_energy 3 CannabisDB spectra from NIST14 2020 June Agilent QTOF 6530
2 of 6
View All
Spectra ID
Instrument Type
QTOF
Ionization Mode
positive
Top 5 Peaks

121.06 38.67

91.05 25.08

93.07 6.94

103.08 6.07

85.06 5.20

Thumbnail
Thumbnail
Notes
adduct_type [M+H-H2O]+ original_collision_energy 4 CannabisDB spectra from NIST14 2020 June Agilent QTOF 6530

4.2.3 Other MS

1 of 10
View All
Other MS
MASS: 21124 (NIST/EPA/MSDC Mass Spectral Database, 1990 version); 1240 (Atlas of Mass Spectral Data, John Wiley & Sons, New York)
2 of 10
View All
Authors
MASS SPECTROSCOPY SOC. OF JAPAN (MSSJ)
Instrument
Unknown
Instrument Type
EI-B
MS Level
MS
Ionization Mode
POSITIVE
Top 5 Peaks

94 999

138 279

77 233

95 128

28 107

Thumbnail
Thumbnail
License
CC BY-NC-SA

4.3 UV Spectra

UV: 99 (Sadtler Research Laboratories spectral collection)
Lide, D.R., G.W.A. Milne (eds.). Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volume I. 3rd ed. CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton ,FL. 1994., p. V3; 2700

4.3.1 UV-VIS Spectra

Copyright
Copyright © 2008-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail

4.4 IR Spectra

IR Spectra
IR: 1055 (Coblentz Society spectral collection)

4.4.1 FTIR Spectra

1 of 2
Instrument Name
Bio-Rad FTS
Technique
Neat (KBr)
Source of Spectrum
Forensic Spectral Research
Copyright
Copyright © 2012-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
2 of 2
Technique
Layer between KBr
Source of Sample
Rewo Chemische Werke, Steinau
Copyright
Copyright © 1989, 1990-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail

4.4.2 ATR-IR Spectra

1 of 2
Instrument Name
PerkinElmer SpectrumTwo
Technique
ATR-IR
Copyright
Copyright © 2013-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
2 of 2
Technique
ATR-Cylindrical Internal Reflectance (CIR)
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail

4.4.3 Near IR Spectra

1 of 2
Instrument Name
BRUKER IFS 88
Technique
NIR Spectrometer= INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS=INST=BRUKER,RSN=5035,REO=2,CNM=HEI,ZFF=2
Source of Spectrum
Prof. Buback, University of Goettingen, Germany
Copyright
Copyright © 1989, 1990-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
2 of 2
Instrument Name
BRUKER IFS 88
Technique
NIR Spectrometer= INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS=INST=BRUKER,RSN=5035,REO=2,CNM=HEI,ZFF=2
Source of Spectrum
Prof. Buback, University of Goettingen, Germany
Copyright
Copyright © 1989, 1990-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail

4.4.4 Vapor Phase IR Spectra

1 of 2
Technique
Vapor Phase
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
2 of 2
Instrument Name
Bruker IFS 85
Technique
Gas-GC
Copyright
Copyright © 1989, 1990-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail

4.5 Raman Spectra

1 of 2
Raman Spectra
Raman: 201 (Sadtler Research Laboratories spectral collection)
2 of 2
Catalog Number
P15609
Copyright
Copyright © 2017-2024 Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. - Database Compilation Copyright © 2017-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail

6 Chemical Vendors

7 Drug and Medication Information

7.1 Drug Indication

Antimicrobial agent used as a preservative in cosmetics,,.

7.2 FDA National Drug Code Directory

7.3 Drug Labels

Drug and label
Active ingredient and drug

7.4 Clinical Trials

7.4.1 EU Clinical Trials Register

7.5 Therapeutic Uses

Phenoxyethanol (PE) is a preservative added to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals such as antibiotic ointments and solutions, ear-drops, and vaccines.
Bohn S and Bircher AJ; Allergy 56: 922-923 (2001) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2001.00218.x/full
Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Anesthetics
National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings online file (MeSH, 1999)
Phenoxyethanol has antibacterial properties and is effective against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa even in the presence of 20% serum. It is less effective against Proteus vulgaris, other Gram-negative organisms, and Gram-positive organisms. It has been used as a preservative at a concentration of 1%. A wider spectrum of antimicrobial activity is obtained with preservative mixtures of phenoxyethanol and hydroxybenzoates. Phenoxyethanol may be used as a 2.2% solution or a 2% cream for the treatment of superficial wounds, burns, or abscesses infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In skin infection derivatives of phenoxyethanol are used with either cyclic acid or zinc undecenoate.
Reynolds, J.E.F., Prasad, A.B. (eds.) Martindale-The Extra Pharmacopoeia. 28th ed. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1982., p. 1288
TOPICAL ANTISEPTIC
Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs and Biologicals. Rahway, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1989., p. 1153

7.6 Drug Warnings

Peritonitis is the established term for infective inflammation of the peritoneum, whereas serositis generally refers to aseptic inflammation of a serous cavity, including the peritoneum. Serositis may be metabolic, viral, autoimmune, drug induced, genetic, allergic or granulomatous, or due to chemical antiseptics. In ...gynecological department, 4 patients had peritonitis and ascites after laparotomy. Based on the investigation... the solution used for peritoneal lavage (0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride and 2% phenoxyethanol) played a role in the tissue toxicity that caused chemical serositis with effusion.
Hupuczi P, Papp Z; Obstet Gynecol 105 (5 Pt 2): 1267-8 (2005)

8 Food Additives and Ingredients

8.1 FDA Substances Added to Food

Used for (Technical Effect)
FLAVORING AGENT OR ADJUVANT
FEMA Number
4620
GRAS Number
24

9 Pharmacology and Biochemistry

9.1 Pharmacodynamics

This substance has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeasts, and mold.

9.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Anesthetics
Agents capable of inducing a total or partial loss of sensation, especially tactile sensation and pain. They may act to induce general ANESTHESIA, in which an unconscious state is achieved, or may act locally to induce numbness or lack of sensation at a targeted site. (See all compounds classified as Anesthetics.)
Anti-Infective Agents, Local
Substances used on humans and other animals that destroy harmful microorganisms or inhibit their activity. They are distinguished from DISINFECTANTS, which are used on inanimate objects. (See all compounds classified as Anti-Infective Agents, Local.)

9.3 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Route of Elimination
The fate of phenoxyethanol in rats and humans has been investigated. More than 90% of an oral dose of 16, 27 or 160 mg/kg body weight of (2-(14)C)phenoxyethanol administered to male Colworth rats by was excreted in the urine within 24 hours of administration. A female rat also excreted about 90% of a dose of 27 mg/kg body weight in the urine within 24 hours. About 2% and 1.3% of the ingested dose was recovered from the exhaled air of female and male rats, respectively.
Volume of Distribution
A pharmacokinetic study of phenoxyethanol was performed using a mass spectrometry model for simultaneous analysis of phenoxyethanol (PE) and its major metabolite, phenoxyacetic acid (PAA), in rat plasma, urine, and 7 different tissues. The absolute topical bioavailability of PE was 75.4% and 76.0% for emulsion and lotion, respectively. Conversion of PE to PAA was extensive, with the average AUCPAA-to-AUCPE ratio being 4.4 and 5.3 for emulsion and lotion, respectively. The steady-state tissue-to-plasma PE concentration ratio (Kp) was higher than unity for kidney, spleen, heart, brain, and testis and was lower (0.6) for lung and liver, while the metabolite Kp ratio was higher than unity for kidney, liver, lung, and testis and was lower (0.3) for other tissues.
... An entire oral dose of 11 mg of unlabelled 2-phenoxyethanol was accounted for in the urine of one healthy male volunteer as 2-phenoxyacetic acid. Most of the acid was excreted unconjugated.
WHO/FAO: Expert Committee on food additives. FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series for 2-phenoxyethanol (122-99-6) (2003). Available from, as of October 25, 2011: https://www.inchem.org/pages/jecfa.html
The fate of 2-phenoxyethanol in rats and humans has been investigated. More than 90% of an oral dose of 16, 27 or 160 mg/kg bw of (2-(14)C)phenoxyethanol given to male Colworth rats by gavage was excreted in the urine within 24 hr. A female rat also excreted about 90% of a dose of 27 mg/kg bw in the urine within 24 hr. Approximately 2 and 1.3% of the ingested dose was recovered from expired air of female and male rats, respectively. The rate of intestinal absorption was rapid, with 60-70% of the excreted (14)C detected at 3 hr and > 95% of the total 4-day urinary (14)C detected within the first 24 hr. Trace amounts of radioactivity were detected in feces. Four days after dosing, only trace amounts of radioactivity remained in the carcass, primarily in the liver (< 0.2% of the dose), fat and muscle. At 4 days, the (14)C concentration in blood was only 0.001.
WHO/FAO: Expert Committee on food additives. FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series for 2-phenoxyethanol (122-99-6) (2003). Available from, as of October 25, 2011: https://www.inchem.org/pages/jecfa.html
... NOT READILY ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN IN ACUTELY TOXIC AMT.
Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982., p. 3944
2-PHENOXYETHANOL (0.1-0.5 ML/L) SEDATED OR ANESTHETIZED FISH WITHIN MINUTES WHEN THE ANIMALS WERE IMMERSED IN THE AGENT. WHEN ADMIN IN THIS WAY, THE ANESTHETIC WAS ABSORBED INTO THE BLOOD STREAM THROUGH THE GILL LAMELLAE.
JOLLY DW ET AL; VET REC 91 (18): 424 (1972)

9.4 Metabolism / Metabolites

The fate of phenoxyethanol in rats and humans has been investigated. The rate of intestinal absorption was rapid, with 60-70% of the excreted (14)C detected at 3 hours and > 95% of the total 4-day urinary (14)C detected within the first 24 hr. Trace amounts of radioactivity were detected in feces. Four days after dosing, only trace amounts of radioactivity remained in the carcass, primarily in the liver (< 0.2% of the dose), fat and muscle. At the 4 day point, the (14)C concentration in blood was measured to be only 0.001. The major metabolite of phenoxyethanol is phenoxyacetic acid.
Once hydrolyzed, 2-phenoxyethanol is rapidly absorbed and oxidized to phenoxyacetic acid ...
WHO/FAO: Expert Committee on food additives. FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series for 2-phenoxyethanol (122-99-6) (2003). Available from, as of October 25, 2011: https://www.inchem.org/pages/jecfa.html
YIELDS PHENOL IN CONIOPHORA, IN PLEUROTUS, & IN POLYSTICTUS ... . /FROM TABLE/
Goodwin, B.L. Handbook of Intermediary Metabolism of Aromatic Compounds. New York: Wiley, 1976., p. 10
The toxicity of glycol ethers is associated with their oxidation to the corresponding aldehyde and alkoxyacetic acid by cytosolic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH; EC 1.1.1.1.) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH; 1.2.1.3). Dermal exposure to these compounds can result in localised or systemic toxicity including skin sensitisation and irritancy, reproductive, developmental and hematological effects. It has previously been shown that skin has the capacity for local metabolism of applied chemicals. Therefore, there is a requirement to consider metabolism during dermal absorption of these compounds in risk assessment for humans. Cytosolic fractions were prepared from rat liver, and whole and dermatomed skin by differential centrifugation. Rat skin cytosolic fractions were also prepared following multiple dermal exposure to dexamethasone, ethanol or 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE). The rate of ethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol (2-EE), ethylene glycol, 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) and 2-BE conversion to alkoxyacetic acid by ADH/ALDH in these fractions was continuously monitored by UV spectrophotometry via the conversion of NAD+ to NADH at 340 nm. Rates of ADH oxidation by rat liver cytosol were greatest for ethanol followed by 2-EE >ethylene glycol >2-PE >2-BE. However, the order of metabolism changed to 2-BE >2-PE >ethylene glycol >2-EE >ethanol using whole and dermatomed rat skin cytosolic fractions, with approximately twice the specific activity in dermatomed skin cytosol relative to whole rat skin. This suggests that ADH and ALDH are localised in the epidermis that constitutes more of the protein in dermatomed skin than whole skin cytosol. Inhibition of ADH oxidation in rat liver cytosol by pyrazole was greatest for ethanol followed by 2-EE >ethylene glycol >2-PE >2-BE, but it only inhibited ethanol metabolism by 40% in skin cytosol. Disulfiram completely inhibited alcohol and glycol ether metabolism in the liver and skin cytosolic fractions. Although ADH1, ADH2 and ADH3 are expressed at the protein level in rat liver, only ADH1 and ADH2 are selectively inhibited by pyrazole and they constitute the predominant isoforms that metabolise short-chain alcohols in preference to intermediate chain-length alcohols. However, ADH1, ADH3 and ADH4 predominate in rat skin, demonstrate different sensitivities to pyrazole, and are responsible for metabolising glycol ethers. ALDH1 is the predominant isoform in rat liver and skin cytosolic fractions that is selectively inhibited by disulfiram and responds to the amount of aldehyde formed by the ADH isoforms expressed in these tissues. Thus, the different affinity of ADH and ALDH for alcohols and glycol ethers of different carbon-chain length may reflect the relative isoform expression in rat liver and skin. Following multiple topical exposure, ethanol metabolism increased the most following ethanol treatment, and 2-BE metabolism increased the most following 2-BE treatment. Ethanol and 2-BE may induce specific ADH and ALDH isoforms that preferentially metabolise short-chain alcohols (i.e. ADH1, ALDH1) and longer chain alcohols (i.e. ADH3, ADH4, ALDH1), respectively. Treatment with a general inducing agent such as dexamethasone enhanced ethanol and 2-BE metabolism suggesting induction of multiple ADH isoforms.
Lockley DJ et al; Arch Toxicol 79 (3): 160-8 (2005)
Studies were conducted... to evaluate the in vitro hemolytic potential of / ethylene glycol phenyl ether/ EGPE and its major metabolite using rabbit red blood cells (RBC). Phenoxyacetic acid (PAA) was identified as a major blood metabolite of EGPE. In vitro exposure of female rabbit erythrocytes indicated EGPE to be considerably more hemolytic than PAA.
Breslin WJ et al; Fundam Appl Toxicol 17 (3): 466-81 (1991)
Oxidized to the corresponding aldehyde and alkoxyacetic acid by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH; EC 1.1.1.1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH; EC 1.2.1.3), respectively. (A15201)
A15201: Lockley DJ, Howes D, Williams FM: Cutaneous metabolism of glycol ethers. Arch Toxicol. 2005 Mar;79(3):160-8. Epub 2004 Nov 17. PMID:15551062

9.5 Mechanism of Action

Phenoxyethanol has antibacterial properties and is effective against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa even in the presence of 20% serum. It not as effective against Proteus vulgaris, other gram-negative organisms, and gram-positive organisms. Phenoxyethanol has been used as a preservative at a concentration of 1%. A wider spectrum of antimicrobial activity is achieved with preservative mixtures of phenoxyethanol and hydroxybenzoates. Phenoxyethanol may be used as a 2.2% solution or a 2% cream for the treatment of superficial wounds, burns, or abscesses infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In skin infection, derivatives of phenoxyethanol are used in combination with either cyclic acid or zinc undecenoate.

9.6 Human Metabolite Information

9.6.1 Cellular Locations

  • Cytoplasm
  • Extracellular

10 Use and Manufacturing

10.1 Uses

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link
CIR ingredient: Phenoxyethanol
EPA CPDat Chemical and Product Categories
The Chemical and Products Database, a resource for exposure-relevant data on chemicals in consumer products, Scientific Data, volume 5, Article number: 180125 (2018), DOI:10.1038/sdata.2018.125
Sources/Uses
Used in perfumes, insect repellants, and antiseptics and to produce other organic chemicals; [Merck Index, 7257] Used as a solvent for inks, dyes, and cleaners; [HSDB]
Merck Index - O'Neil MJ, Heckelman PE, Dobbelaar PH, Roman KJ (eds). The Merck Index, An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, 15th Ed. Cambridge, UK: The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., 7257
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure
Fixative for perfumes, in organic synthesis; as a bactericide in conjunction with quaternary ammonium compounds
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1253
Solvent for cellulose acetate, dyes; inks, resins; perfume fixative; bactericidal agent; organic synthesis of plasticizers, germicides, pharmaceuticals; insect repellents
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 530
MEDICATION

Use (kg; approx.) in Germany (2009): >25000

Consumption (g per capita; approx.) in Germany (2009): 0.305

Calculated removal (%): 92.1

2-Phenoxyethanol is used in many applications such as cosmetics, vaccines and pharmaceuticals as a preservative. It is also used as a fixative for perfumes, an insect repellent, a topical antiseptic, a solvent for cellulose acetate, some dyes, inks, and resins, in preservatives, pharmaceuticals, and in organic synthesis.

10.1.1 Use Classification

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Preservatives and Antioxidants;Solvents
Safer Chemical Classes -> Yellow triangle Yellow triangle - The chemical has met Safer Choice Criteria for its functional ingredient-class, but has some hazard profile issues
Fragrance Ingredients
Cosmetics -> Preservative
S13 | EUCOSMETICS | Combined Inventory of Ingredients Employed in Cosmetic Products (2000) and Revised Inventory (2006) | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2624118

10.1.2 Industry Uses

  • Solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture)
  • Other (specify)
  • Surface modifier
  • Anti-adhesive/cohesive
  • Solvent
  • Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  • Preservative
  • Paint additives and coating additives not described by other categories
  • Surfactant (surface active agent)
  • Plasticizer
  • Odor agents
  • Cleaning agent

10.1.3 Consumer Uses

  • Preservative
  • Paint additives and coating additives not described by other categories
  • Cleaning agent
  • Plasticizer
  • Odor agents
  • Laboratory chemicals
  • Other (specify)
  • Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  • Solvent

10.1.4 Household Products

California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP)

Cosmetics product ingredient: 2-Phenoxyethanol

Reason for Listing: Identified as a Toxic Air Contaminant by the State Board as defined in Health and Safety Code section 39655.

Potential Health Impacts: Respiratory Toxicity

Product count: 1756

Household & Commercial/Institutional Products

Information on 734 consumer products that contain 2-Phenoxyethanol in the following categories is provided:

• Auto Products

• Commercial / Institutional

• Home Maintenance

• Inside the Home

• Personal Care

• Pet Care

Household & Commercial/Institutional Products

Information on 13 consumer products that contain Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-phenyl-omega-hydroxy- in the following categories is provided:

• Auto Products

• Inside the Home

10.2 Methods of Manufacturing

A mixture of ethylene chlorohydrin in 30% aqueous NaOH may be added to phenol at 100-110 °C to give 2-phenoxyethanol in 98% yield.
Richey WF; Chlorohydrins. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (1999-2011). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Online Posting Date: December 4, 2000
Obtained by treating phenol with ethylene oxide in an alkaline medium.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1253
Produced by the hydroxyethylation of phenol ... in the presence of alkali-metal hydroxides or alkali metal borohydrides.
Fiege H et al; Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 7th ed. (1999-2011). NY, NY: John Wiley & Sons; Phenol Derivatives. Online Posting Date: June 15, 2000

10.3 Formulations / Preparations

Grade: Technical
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 530

10.4 U.S. Production

Aggregated Product Volume

2019: 20,000,000 lb - <100,000,000 lb

2018: 20,000,000 lb - <100,000,000 lb

2017: 20,000,000 lb - <100,000,000 lb

2016: 20,000,000 lb - <100,000,000 lb

(1979) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+6 GRAMS
SRI
(1981) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+6 GRAMS
SRI
Ethanol, 2-phenoxy- is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) chemical (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).
EPA/Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics; High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge Program. Ethanol, 2-phenoxy- (122-99-6). Available from, as of October 21, 2011: https://www.epa.gov/hpv/pubs/general/opptsrch.htm
Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule.
Year
1986
Production Range (pounds)
>1 million - 10 million
Year
1990
Production Range (pounds)
>1 million - 10 million
Year
1994
Production Range (pounds)
10 thousand - 500 thousand
Year
1998
Production Range (pounds)
>10 million - 50 million
Year
2002
Production Range (pounds)
>10 million - 50 million
US EPA; Non-confidential Production Volume Information Submitted by Companies for Chemicals Under the 1986-2002 Inventory Update Rule (IUR). Ethanol, 2-phenoxy- (122-99-6). Available from, as of October 21, 2011: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/iur/tools/data/2002-vol.html
Production volume for non-confidential chemicals reported under the 2006 Inventory Update Rule. Chemical: Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-. Aggregated National Production Volume: 10 to < 50 million pounds.
US EPA; Non-Confidential 2006 Inventory Update Reporting. National Chemical Information. Ethanol, 2-phenoxy- (122-99-6). Available from, as of October 21, 2011: https://cfpub.epa.gov/iursearch/index.cfm?s=chem&err=t

10.5 General Manufacturing Information

Industry Processing Sectors
  • Petroleum Lubricating Oil and Grease Manufacturing
  • Wholesale and Retail Trade
  • Miscellaneous Manufacturing
  • All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing
  • Paint and Coating Manufacturing
  • Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
  • Adhesive Manufacturing
  • Other (requires additional information)
  • Printing Ink Manufacturing
  • Plastics Product Manufacturing
  • Printing and Related Support Activities
  • Non-metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing (includes clay, glass, cement, concrete, lime, gypsum, and other non-metallic mineral product manufacturing)
  • Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  • Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing
EPA TSCA Commercial Activity Status
Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-: ACTIVE
EPA TSCA Commercial Activity Status
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-phenyl-.omega.-hydroxy-: ACTIVE
EPA TSCA Regulatory Flag
XU - indicates a substance exempt from reporting under the Chemical Data Reporting Rule, (40 CFR 711).

11 Identification

11.1 Analytic Laboratory Methods

Good resolution of a standard mixture of benzyl alcohol, 2-phenoxyethanol, 1-phenoxy-2-propanol, 3,4-dichloro and 2,4-dichlorophenylmethanol and ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate internal standard was achieved by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography using an RP-18 column, hydrated methyl cyanide as mobile phase and 230 nm for detection. Linearity was observed up to 20 ug injected for 2-phenoxyethanol and up to 6 ug injected for the other alcs. Five cosmetic products were subjected to high performance liquid chromatography and quantitative recoveries and excellent precision for added mixtures of the alc preservatives were obtained.
Gagliardi L et al; J chromatogr 294: 442-6 (1984)
A thin layer chromatography procedure is presented for the separation and identification of preservatives that are listed in the current European Economic Community Council Directive on cosmetic products or have been permitted in the past. The method consists of extraction of acidified cosmetics with methanol, separation of the extractions by thin layer chromatography on aluminum oxide and silica gel-coated plates using 1 developing solvent, and visualization of the preservatives on the plates using short-wave-length ultraviolet light and 6 detection reagents. The retention behavior and the detectability of 88 preservatives were investigated, of which 74 were characterized by this method. The preservatives in 14 commercial cosmetic products were tentatively identified by the procedure described. In general this method will permit the routine detection of preservatives in cosmetics in an approx concn of 0.1% (wt/wt).
De Knijf N et al; J Chromatogr 410 (2): 395-411 (1987)

12 Safety and Hazards

12.1 Hazards Identification

12.1.1 GHS Classification

1 of 7
View All
Note
Pictograms displayed are for > 99.9% (4265 of 4266) of reports that indicate hazard statements. This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 4266) of reports.
Pictogram(s)
Corrosive
Irritant
Signal
Danger
GHS Hazard Statements

H302 (99.8%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H318 (11.5%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H319 (88.5%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335 (11.5%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

Precautionary Statement Codes

P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P330, P337+P317, P403+P233, P405, and P501

(The corresponding statement to each P-code can be found at the GHS Classification page.)

ECHA C&L Notifications Summary

Aggregated GHS information provided per 4266 reports by companies from 37 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 4266 reports by companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

There are 36 notifications provided by 4265 of 4266 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown.

12.1.2 Hazard Classes and Categories

Acute Tox. 4 (99.8%)

Eye Dam. 1 (11.5%)

Eye Irrit. 2 (88.5%)

STOT SE 3 (11.5%)

Acute Tox. 4 (41.7%)

Skin Irrit. 2 (57.8%)

Eye Dam. 1 (14.8%)

Eye Irrit. 2 (65.2%)

12.1.3 NFPA Hazard Classification

NFPA 704 Diamond
3-1-0
NFPA Health Rating
3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury.
NFPA Fire Rating
1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
NFPA Instability Rating
0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.

12.1.4 EPA Safer Chemical

Chemical: Phenoxyethanol

Yellow triangle Yellow triangle - The chemical has met Safer Choice Criteria for its functional ingredient-class, but has some hazard profile issues. Specifically, a chemical with this code is not associated with a low level of hazard concern for all human health and environmental endpoints. (See Safer Choice Criteria). While it is a best-in-class chemical and among the safest available for a particular function, the function fulfilled by the chemical should be considered an area for safer chemistry innovation.

12.1.5 Health Hazards

May cause moderate eye irritation and moderate corneal injury. Excessive exposure may cause skin irritation and hemolysis. (USCG, 1999)
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.

12.1.6 Fire Hazards

This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Combustible.

12.1.7 Hazards Summary

Can cause corneal injury; [CAMEO] A skin irritant that can have adverse effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems; [ICSC] Sensitization to this molecule is very rare. [Kanerva, p. 1825] No reproductive toxicity in animal studies, but liver and kidney injury occur at high doses. [MSDSonline] See Glycol Ethers.
Kanerva - Rustemeyer L, Elsner P, John SM, Maibach HI (eds). Kanerva's Occupational Dermatology, 2nd Ed. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 2012., p. 1825
The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of 2-phenoxyethanol stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic by all routes (inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact), exposure to this faintly aromatic, colorless, oily liquid may occur from its use as a fixative for cosmetics, perfumes, and soaps; as a bactericide and insect repellant; as a solvent for cellulose acetate,dyes, stamp pad, ball point, and specialty inks; as a chemical intermediate for carboxylic acid esters (eg, acrylate, maleate) and polymers (eg, formaldehyde, melamine); and as a preservative for human specimen used for dissection and demonstrations in anatomical studies. Effects from exposure may include eye irritation, headache, tremors, and CNS depression. If contact should occur, irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes, and wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. 2-Phenoxyethanol must be preheated before ignition can occur. If this substance is involved in a fire, water spray gently applied to the surface will cause a frothing which will extinguish the fire.

12.1.8 Fire Potential

Combustible when exposed to heat or flame ... .
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 2904

12.1.9 Skin, Eye, and Respiratory Irritations

A skin and severe eye irritant.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 2904

12.2 First Aid Measures

Inhalation First Aid
Fresh air, rest.
Skin First Aid
Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eye First Aid
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion First Aid
Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

12.2.1 First Aid

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

12.3 Fire Fighting

Fire Extinguishing Agents: Water fog, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol foam. (USCG, 1999)
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.

12.3.1 Fire Fighting Procedures

To fight fire, use CO2, dry chemical.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 2904

12.4 Accidental Release Measures

12.4.1 Spillage Disposal

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

12.4.2 Disposal Methods

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

12.4.3 Preventive Measures

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
REASONABLE HANDLING PRECAUTIONS, PLUS PARTICULAR CARE TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH THE EYES, SHOULD PREVENT ANY SERIOUS TOXIC EFFECTS.
Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982., p. 3944

12.5 Handling and Storage

12.5.1 Nonfire Spill Response

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Seal the absorbent paper, as well as any of your clothing which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash any surfaces you may have contaminated with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material under ambient temperatures, and keep it away from oxidizing materials. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

12.5.2 Safe Storage

Separated from strong oxidants.

12.6 Exposure Control and Personal Protection

Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAK)
1.0 [ppm]

12.6.1 Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL)

MAK (Maximale Arbeitsplatz Konzentration)
5.7 mg/m

12.6.2 Inhalation Risk

A harmful contamination of the air will not or will only very slowly be reached on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C.

12.6.3 Effects of Short Term Exposure

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. This may result in impaired functions.

12.6.4 Effects of Long Term Exposure

The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system. This may result in impaired functions.

12.6.5 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing chemical goggles, gloves and boots. (USCG, 1999)
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.

12.6.6 Preventions

Fire Prevention
NO open flames.
Exposure Prevention
PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!
Inhalation Prevention
Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.
Skin Prevention
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Eye Prevention
Wear safety goggles.
Ingestion Prevention
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

12.7 Stability and Reactivity

12.7.1 Air and Water Reactions

Oxidizes in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154, 164]. Water soluble.

12.7.2 Reactive Group

Alcohols and Polyols

Ethers

Hydrocarbons, Aromatic

12.7.3 Reactivity Alerts

Peroxidizable Compound

12.7.4 Reactivity Profile

ETHYLENE GLYCOL PHENYL ETHER may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. May generate flammable and/or toxic gases with alkali metals, nitrides, and other strong reducing agents. May initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.

12.7.5 Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities

Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 2904

12.8 Transport Information

12.8.1 EC Classification

Symbol: Xn; R: 22-36; S: (2)-26

12.9 Regulatory Information

The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals
Chemical: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-phenyl-.omega.-hydroxy-
The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals
Chemical: Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-
California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP) Reportable Ingredient

Hazard Traits - Respiratory Toxicity

Authoritative List - CA TACs

Report - if used as a fragrance or flavor ingredient

REACH Registered Substance
REACH Registered Substance
New Zealand EPA Inventory of Chemical Status
2-Phenoxyethanol: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard
New Zealand EPA Inventory of Chemical Status
Polyethylene glycol monophenyl ether: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

12.9.1 Atmospheric Standards

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether is produced, as an intermediate or final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
40 CFR 60.489 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of October 21, 2011: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.9.2 TSCA Requirements

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. 2-Phenoxyethanol is included on this list.
40 CFR 716.120 (7/1/90)

12.9.3 FDA Requirements

Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
21 CFR 175.105 (USFDA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of October 21, 2011: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.10 Other Safety Information

Chemical Assessment

IMAP assessments - Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-: Human health tier II assessment

IMAP assessments - Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-: Environment tier I assessment

13 Toxicity

13.1 Toxicological Information

13.1.1 Toxicity Summary

2-Phenoxyethanol is a glycol ether. Glycol ethers can produce toxicity following oxidation to the corresponding aldehyde and alkoxyacetic acid by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH; EC 1.1.1.1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH; EC 1.2.1.3), respectively. (A15201) 2-Phenoxyethanol causes reduction of NMDA-induced membrane currents, indicating a neurotoxic potential for 2-phenoxyethanol. (A15202)
A15201: Lockley DJ, Howes D, Williams FM: Cutaneous metabolism of glycol ethers. Arch Toxicol. 2005 Mar;79(3):160-8. Epub 2004 Nov 17. PMID:15551062
A15202: Musshoff U, Madeja M, Binding N, Witting U, Speckmann EJ: Effects of 2-phenoxyethanol on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated ion currents. Arch Toxicol. 1999 Feb;73(1):55-9. PMID:10207615

13.1.2 Carcinogen Classification

Carcinogen Classification
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

13.1.3 Exposure Routes

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.
Dermal (A15201); ingestion
A15201: Lockley DJ, Howes D, Williams FM: Cutaneous metabolism of glycol ethers. Arch Toxicol. 2005 Mar;79(3):160-8. Epub 2004 Nov 17. PMID:15551062

13.1.4 Symptoms

Inhalation Exposure
Cough. Sore throat. Euphoria. Headache. Drowsiness. Slurred speech.
Skin Exposure
MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Dry skin. Numbness. Further see Inhalation.
Eye Exposure
Redness. Pain.
May cause vomiting and diarrhea.

13.1.5 Adverse Effects

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Nephrotoxin - The chemical is potentially toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting.

Reproductive Toxin - A chemical that is toxic to the reproductive system, including defects in the progeny and injury to male or female reproductive function. Reproductive toxicity includes developmental effects. See Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.

Skin Sensitizer - An agent that can induce an allergic reaction in the skin.

13.1.6 Acute Effects

13.1.7 Antidote and Emergency Treatment

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3Rd edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2005, p. 160
/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poisons A and B/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3Rd edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2005, p. 160
/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poisons A and B/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3Rd edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2005, p. 160-1

13.1.8 Human Toxicity Excerpts

/CASE REPORTS/ ... An 18-month-old boy who developed generalized eczema within 24 hr after administration of a DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) vaccine. Patch tests with the individual components of the vaccine gave a positive result to PE 2% pet. ...
Bohn S and Bircher AJ; Allergy 56: 922-923 (2001) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2001.00218.x/full
/CASE REPORTS/ ... A 53-year-old man with hand eczema caused by PE in an aqueous cream. Patch tests were positive to 1% PE, and the eczema improved with avoidance of the cream. ...
Bohn S and Bircher AJ; Allergy 56: 922-923 (2001) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2001.00218.x/full
/CASE REPORTS/ A 24-year-old Asian woman suffered her first episode of acute urticaria 1 hr after eating papaya salad. Four days later, she again experienced generalized urticarial exanthema just after taking a shower, while applying a recently bought body lotion. She had never suffered from aquagenic or any other physical urticaria. She had no history of atopy or previous allergic reactions to food or drugs. ... Skin prick tests with common aeroallergens were all negative. The prick to prick test with fresh papaya was negative. Prick test with the body lotion gave a +++ reaction (Histamine: ++). In an open application test with the single ingredients of the body lotion and with papaya for 30 min we found a strong wheal reaction with pseudopods to PE. Tests with all the other ingredients and with papaya were negative. The prick test with Euxyl K 400 1% in pet. and with a dilution series of PE resulted in a ++ reaction to Euxyl K 400 and in a + reaction to 1% PE, +to 5% PE, and ++ to 10% PE. ... Observed an immediate reaction to PE with contact urticaria to a body lotion containing PE 1%. ...
Bohn S and Bircher AJ; Allergy 56: 922-923 (2001) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2001.00218.x/full
/CASE REPORTS/ Peritonitis is the established term for infective inflammation of the peritoneum, whereas serositis generally refers to aseptic inflammation of a serous cavity, including the peritoneum. Serositis may be metabolic, viral, autoimmune, drug induced, genetic, allergic or granulomatous, or due to chemical antiseptics. In ... gynecological department, 4 patients had peritonitis and ascites after laparotomy. Based on the investigation...the solution used for peritoneal lavage (0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride and 2% phenoxyethanol) played a role in the tissue toxicity that caused chemical serositis with effusion.
Hupuczi P, Papp Z; Obstet Gynecol 105 (5 Pt 2): 1267-8 (2005)
For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for 2-PHENOXYETHANOL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.1.9 Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ IN UNDILUTED FORM, /2-phenoxyethanol/ IS SEVERELY DAMAGING TO EYES OF RABBITS. WHEN DILUTED TO 5%, IT CAUSED ONLY MILD IRRITATION OF CONJUNCTIVAL MEMBRANES. RATS TOLERATED, WITHOUT APPARENT ADVERSE EFFECTS, 0NE 7 HR EXPOSURE TO VAPORS SATURATED AT 100 °C AND COOLED TO ROOM TEMP.
Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982., p. 3944
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Studies were conducted to characterize the hemolytic effects of / ethylene glycol phenyl ether / EGPE in rabbits following oral ...exposure... Gavage administration of EGPE to female New Zealand White rabbits at 100, 300, 600, or 1000 mg/kg/day for up to 10 consecutive days (one dose/day) resulted in a dose-related intravascular hemolytic anemia. The hemolytic anemia was characterized by decreased RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, hemoglobinuria, splenic congestion, renal tubule damage, and a regenerative erythroid response in the bone marrow. The hemolytic anemia was observed without alterations in RBC glutathione or methemoglobin.
Breslin WJ et al; Fundam Appl Toxicol 17 (3): 466-81 (1991)
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Studies were conducted to characterize the hemolytic effects of /ethylene glycol phenyl ether/ EGPE in rabbits following ... dermal exposure...In a 90-day dermal study in which EGPE was applied to the skin of male and female New Zealand White rabbits 6 hr/day, 5 days/week, at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day, there was no indication of a hemolytic response. The only treatment-related effects were sporadic occurrences of slight erythema and scaling of skin at the site of test material application in high dose group male and female rabbits. However, erythema and scaling were not associated with gross or histopathologic changes and were not considered toxicologically significant.
Breslin WJ et al; Fundam Appl Toxicol 17 (3): 466-81 (1991)
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ Pregnant New Zealand white rabbits were treated dermally with 300, 600, or 1000 mg/kg/day of undiluted 2-phenoxyethanol on days 6 thru 18 of gestation (25 animals per dose group). 2-Phenoxyethanol was toxic to the dams (maternal death) at the 600 and 1000 mg/kg doses. No adverse effects on pregnancy rate, resorptions, or fetal body measurements were observed at any dose. 2-Phenoxyethanol did not cause malformations in the fetuses as compared with controls.
Scortichini BH et al; Fundam Appl Toxicol 8: 272-79 (1987)
For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for 2-PHENOXYETHANOL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.1.10 Non-Human Toxicity Values

LD50 Mouse ip 872 mg/kg bw
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset for 2-phenoxyethanol (122-99-6), p.48 (2000 CD-ROM edition). Available from, as of October 24, 2011: https://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
LD50 Mouse ip ca 333 mg/kg bw
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset for 2-phenoxyethanol (122-99-6), p.47 (2000 CD-ROM edition). Available from, as of October 24, 2011: https://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
LD50 Guinea pig dermal >22180 mg/kg bw
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset for 2-phenoxyethanol (122-99-6), p.47 (2000 CD-ROM edition). Available from, as of October 24, 2011: https://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
LD50 Rabbit dermal >5000 mg/kg bw
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset for 2-phenoxyethanol (122-99-6), p.47 (2000 CD-ROM edition). Available from, as of October 24, 2011: https://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for 2-PHENOXYETHANOL (27 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.1.11 National Toxicology Program Studies

Ethylene Glycol Monophenyl Ether (EGPE) ... was tested for reproductive toxicity in Swiss CD-1 mice using the RACB protocol. ... Data collected on body weights, clinical signs, & food/water consumption during the dose-range-finding segment (Task 1) were used to set concn for the main study (Task 2) at 0.0, 0.25, 1.25, 2.5% in feed. These concn produced calculated consumption estimates of nearly equal to 375, 1875, & 3700 mg/kg/day. There were no effects on body weight during the continuous breeding phase of the study. Two control mice died, & one mouse & two mice died in the middle & high dose groups, respectively. All pairs of mice in each group had at least 1 litter. There was no reduction in the mean number of litters/pair. The middle dose group had 5.00 litters/pair, while the control had a mean of 4.84; this difference was statistically significant, but biologically insignificant. The high dose group had 19% fewer live pups/litter than controls; the live pup weight (adjusted for litter size) was reduced by 4% & 10% in the middle & high dose groups, respectively. Because of the reduction in pup number, a crossover mating trial was conducted, using one treated partner & one control partner. A separate group of re-randomized controls served as concurrent controls for this task. While there were no alterations in mating or fertility indices or in the number of live pups/litter seen in groups with a treated partner, live pup weight adjusted for litter size was reduced by 12% in the control male x 2.5% EGPE female group. Thus, there was a clear effect in treated females, but one probably related to developmental toxicity, rather than female fertility per se. The control & high dose F0 mice were killed & necropsied. The treated males weighed 6% less than their controls, while their absolute liver weight was 14% greater. Female body weight was unchanged by EGPA, but absolute liver weight was increased by 55%. No other organ weights were affected. Sperm indices (% motile, epididymal concn, morphology) were unaffected by EGPE treatment at 2.5%. The last F1 litter from all dose levels in Task 2 was reared by the dams to weaning, & then dosed with EGPE at the same concn provided to their parents. There was reduced body weight gain to weaning: the middle & high dose groups weighed 25% & 58% less than controls at weaning on /postnatal day/ 21; on /postnatal day/ 74, the weight differences were 11% & 17%, respectively. Mortality was also increased in the middle & high dose groups from weaning to mating at /postnatal day/ 74. This was most pronounced in the high dose group: of the 56 pups weaned in this group, only a total of 6 survived to mating at /postnatal day/ 74. This provided too few animals to analyze, & this group was omitted from the rest of the study. At the mating of the second generation, there was no treatment-related effect on F2 pup number or sex ratio. F2 pup weight adjusted for litter size was reduced in the 1.25% group by 7%. After the delivery of the F2 pups, the control & 1.25% group F1 mice were killed & necropsied. The 1.25% EGPE mice weighed 13% less than controls, their absolute testis weight was 16% less, & relative seminal vesicles weight was 14% less than controls. The 1.25% EGPE females weighed 7% less than controls; there were no adjusted weight changes in the treated females. There were no treatment-related alterations in epididymal sperm concn, motility, or morphology. In summary, EGPE produced significant reproductive & developmental toxicity at doses that increased liver weight in treated F0 mice. EGPE caused significant toxicity in growing animals, as evidenced by the reduced body weight in neonates in Tasks 2, 3, & 4, & the large incr in post-natal lethality as the F1 animals grew to the age of mating.
Department of Health & Human Services/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Toxicology Program; Reproduction and Fertility Assessment of Ethylene Glycol Monophenyl Ether (CAS #122-99-6) in CD-1 Mice When Administered in Feed, NTP Study No. RACB83101 (November 1984) Available from, as of August 14, 2002: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/index.cfm?objectid=0847F35A-0850-D1E7-B02ED4DDD150F990

13.1.12 TSCA Test Submissions

Teratogenicity was evaluated in pregnant New Zealand White rabbits (25/group) dermally exposed to 2-phenoxyethanol at treatment levels of 0, 300, 600, and 1000 mg/kg/day on gestation days (GD) 6-18. Surviving animals were sacrificed on GD 28. Significant differences were observed between treated and control animals in the following: slight to moderate reddening of the skin at the application site (all treated animals), maternal mortality with dead animals exhibiting dark-colored urine in the bladder, darkened kidneys, evidence of anorexia (hairball in stomach), superficial erosions, ulcers, and/or hemorrhages in the gastric mucosa, decreased feed and fecal material in the intestines, severely decreased red blood cell counts and packed cell volume, increased reticulocytes (evidence of a regenerative hemolytic anemia and the animals were jaundiced (high- and mid-dose groups). No significant differences were observed between treated and control animals in the following (mid- and low-dose groups unless otherwise noted): maternal body weights or weight gain, liver weights, pregnancy rates, resorptions, preimplantation losses, fetal sex ratio or body measurements, and incidence of fetal malformations or alterations in gross morphology, internal organs or skeletal system. No statistical evaluations were performed on the five high-dose group rabbits which survived until GD 28.
Dow Chemical Corporation; 2-Phenoxyethanol: Dermal Teratology Study in Rabbits, Final Report. (1984), EPA Document No. 88-8500760, Fiche No. OTS0509695

13.2 Ecological Information

13.2.1 Ecotoxicity Values

EC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow); Conditions: flow-through bioassay with measured concentrations, 26.6 °C, dissolved oxygen 6.0 mg/L, hardness 45.0 mg/L calcium carbonate, alkalinity 42.0 mg/L calcium carbonate, and pH 7.62; Concentration: 344 mg/L for 96 hr (confidence limit 337-352 mg/L); Effect: loss of equilibrium
Brooke, L.T., D.J. Call, D.T. Geiger and C.E. Northcott (eds.). Acute Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas). Superior, WI: Center for Lake Superior Environmental Studies Univ. of Wisconsin Superior, 1984., p. 295
LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow); Conditions: flow-through bioassay with measured concentrations, 26.6 °C, dissolved oxygen 6.0 mg/L, hardness 45.0 mg/L calcium carbonate, alkalinity 42.0 mg/L calcium carbonate, and pH 7.62; Concentration: 344 mg/L for 96 hr (confidence limit 337-352 mg/L)
Brooke, L.T., D.J. Call, D.T. Geiger and C.E. Northcott (eds.). Acute Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas). Superior, WI: Center for Lake Superior Environmental Studies Univ. of Wisconsin Superior, 1984., p. 295

13.2.2 Ecotoxicity Excerpts

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ PHENOXYETHANOL SHOWED A TOXIC EFFECT ON FERTILIZATION WHEN THE CONCN IN THE INSEMINATION DILUTENT WAS 0.05%. THIS EFFECT WAS LIMITED TO THE SPERM. THE ANESTHETIC DID NOT SEEM TO AFFECT THE EGG. THEREFORE, CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED WHEN PHENOXYETHANOL IS USED TO IMMOBILIZE FISH DURING SPAWN TAKING.
BILLARD R; PROG FISH-CULT 43 (2): 72 (1981)
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ 2-PHENOXYETHANOL (0.1-0.5 ML/L) SEDATED OR ANESTHETIZED FISH WITHIN MINUTES WHEN THE ANIMALS WERE IMMERSED IN THE AGENT. THE FISH RECOVERED RAPIDLY FOLLOWING REMOVAL FROM THE ANESTHETIC SOLN.
JOLLY DW ET AL; VET REC 91 (18): 424 (1972)
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ /Fathead Minnows were exposed to 2-Phenoxyethanol at nominal concentrations of 0, 68, 113, 188, 313, 522 mg/L for up to 96 hr./ Fish in the second highest concentration were immediately affected but began to respond to tap 12 hr. They did not school for the remainder of the test. Affected fish stopped schooling, became hypoactive on the tank bottom, then lost equilibrium prior to death.
Brooke, L.T., D.J. Call, D.T. Geiger and C.E. Northcott (eds.). Acute Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas). Superior, WI: Center for Lake Superior Environmental Studies Univ. of Wisconsin Superior, 1984., p. 295
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ THE APPROX TIMES TO 50% MORTALITY OF JUVENILE RAINBOW TROUT (SALMO GAIRDNERI) EXPOSED TO 2-PHENOXYETHANOL AT 0.75, 0.50, & 0.25 ML/L WERE 10.7 MINUTES, 26.3 MINUTES, & 3.7 HR, RESPECTIVELY. THE AVERAGE IMMOBILIZATION TIMES AT THE ABOVE 3 CONCN WERE 2, 3, & 4 MINUTES, RESPECTIVELY, & RECOVERY TIMES WERE APPROX 14, 9, & 6 MINUTES, RESPECTIVELY, FOR FISH THAT SURVIVED. 2-PHENOXYETHANOL THUS APPEARS TO BE A SUITABLE ANESTHETIC FOR JUVENILE SALMONIDS BUT ONLY FOR LIMITED DURATIONS, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER CONCN.
BARTON BA, HELFRICH H; PROG FISH CULT 43 (4): 223 (1981)

13.2.3 Environmental Fate / Exposure Summary

2-Phenoxyethanol's production and use as a solvent for cellulose acetate and dyes, in inks and resins, as a perfume fixative, as a bactericidal agent, in organic synthesis of plasticizers, germicides and pharmaceuticals, and in insect repellents may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.007 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 2-phenoxyethanol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-phenoxyethanol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 11.8 hours. Monitoring data have shown that 2-phenoxyethanol can be removed from the atmosphere via precipitation including snow. 2-Phenoxyethanol does not absorb at wavelengths >290 nm, and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, 2-phenoxyethanol is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 15. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.9X10-8 atm-cu m/mole. If released into water, 2-phenoxyethanol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. Theoretical BODs of 2% (5-day), 71% (10-day), 50% (20-day) and 80% (20-day) have been reported for 2-phenoxyethanol indicating it will be largely removed during biological waste treatment. 2-Phenoxyethanol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to the 2-phenoxyethanol occurs through inhalation of vapor and dermal contact. Its use as solvent for inks, resins and cellulose acetate and its use as a perfume fixative could expose the general population through dermal contact and inhalation of vapor. (SRC)

13.2.4 Artificial Pollution Sources

2-Phenoxyethanol's production and use as a solvent for cellulose acetate and dyes, in inks and resins, as a perfume fixative, as a bactericidal agent, in organic synthesis of plasticizers, germicides and pharmaceuticals and in insect repellents(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).
(1) Lewis RJ Sr; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th ed., New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 530 (2007)

13.2.5 Environmental Fate

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 15(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2-phenoxyethanol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 2-phenoxyethanol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.9X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 0.007 mm Hg at 25 °C(3), and water solubility, 2.6X10+4 mg/L(4). One biodegradation study reported theoretical 2-phenoxyethanol BODs of 2% (5-day), 71% (10-day), and 80% (20-day)(3); a theoretical 20-day BOD of 50%(3) indicates biodegrdaation may be an important environmnetal fate process in soil(SRC).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) Meylan WM et al; Environ Sci Technol 26: 1560-67 (1992)
(3) Dow Chem Co; The Glycol Ethers Handbook. Midland, MI: Dow Chem Co (1990)
(4) Yalkowsky SH et al; Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data, 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press LLC, p. 512 (2010)
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 15(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2-phenoxyethanol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.9X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.007 mm Hg at 25 °C(4), and water solubility, 2.6X10+4 mg/L(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 1.5(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.16(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. One biodegradation study reported theoretical 2-phenoxyethanol BODs of 2% (5-day), 71% (10-day), and 80% (20-day)(4); a theoretical 20-day BOD of 50% indicates a compound will largely be removed during biological waste treatment(4). 2-Phenoxyethanol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) Meylan WM et al; Environ Sci Technol 26: 1560-67 (1992)
(3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5, 15-1 to 15-29 (1990)
(4) Dow Chem Co; The Glycol Ethers Handbook. Midland, MI: Dow Chem Co (1990)
(5) Yalkowsky SH et al; Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data, 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press LLC, p. 512 (2010)
(6) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)
(7) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Heller SR, consult. ed., Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc p. 45 (1995)
(8) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Jan, 2011. Available from, as of Oct 12, 2011: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/pubs/episuitedl.htm
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 2-phenoxyethanol, which has a estimated vapor pressure of 0.007 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-phenoxyethanol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 11.8 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 3.27X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Monitoring data have shown that 2-phenoxyethanol can be removed from the atmosphere via precipitation such as snow(4). 2-Phenoxyethanol does not absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(5), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).
(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988)
(2) Dow Chem Co; The Glycol Ethers Handbook. Midland MI: Dow Chem Co (1990)
(3) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Chemosphere 26: 2293-99 (1993)
(4) Poliakova OV et al; Toxicol Environ Chem 75: 181-194 (2000)
(5) Hidaka H et al; J Photochem Photobiol 42: 375-81 (1988)

13.2.6 Environmental Biodegradation

AEROBIC: For 2-phenoxyethanol, theoretical BODs of 2% (5-day), 71% (10-day), and 80% (20-day) have been measured(1); a theoretical 20-day BOD of 50% indicates a compound will largely be removed during biological waste treatment(1).
(1) Dow Chem Co; The Glycol Ethers Handbook. Midland, MI: Dow Chem Co (1990)

13.2.7 Environmental Abiotic Degradation

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of 2-phenoxyethanol with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 3.27X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 11.8 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). The UV spectrum for an aqueous solution of 2-phenoxyethanol does not show any absorbance above 290 nm(2) which indicates that 2-phenoxyethanol will not directly photolyze in the environment(SRC). 2-Phenoxyethanol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3).
(1) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Chemosphere 26: 2293-99 (1993)
(2) Hidaka H et al; J Photochem Photobiol 42: 375-81 (1988)
(3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5 (1990)

13.2.8 Environmental Bioconcentration

An estimated BCF of 1.5 was calculated in fish for 2-phenoxyethanol(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.16(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
(1) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Heller SR, consult. ed., Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc p. 45 (1995)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Jan, 2011. Available from, as of Oct 12, 2011: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/pubs/episuitedl.htm
(3) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)

13.2.9 Soil Adsorption / Mobility

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of 2-phenoxyethanol can be estimated to be 15(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that 2-phenoxyethanol is expected to have very high mobility in soil.
(1) Meylan WM et al; Environ Sci Technol 26: 1560-67 (1992)
(2) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)

13.2.10 Volatilization from Water / Soil

The Henry's Law constant for 2-phenoxyethanol is estimated as 4.9X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 0.007 mm Hg at 25 °C(1), and water solubility, 2.6X10+4 mg/L(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that 2-phenoxyethanol is essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(3). 2-Phenoxyethanol's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to occur(SRC). 2-Phenoxyethanol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon the vapor pressure of 0.007 mm Hg at 25 °C(3).
(1) Dow Chem Co; The Glycol Ethers Handbook. Midland, MI: Dow Chem Co (1990)
(2) Yalkowsky SH et al; Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data, 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press LLC, p. 512 (2010)
(3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990)

13.2.11 Environmental Water Concentrations

DRINKING WATER: 2-Phenoxyethanol was qualitatively detected in drinking water concentrates collected in Cincinnati, OH on Oct 17, 1978(1).
(1) Lucas SV; GC/MS Analysis of Organics in Drinking Water Concentrates and Advanced Waste Treatment Concentrates: Volume 1, USEPA-600/1-84-020A (NTIS PB85-128221) p. 45, 141 (1984)
GROUND WATER: 2-Phenoxyethanol concentrations of less than 5 ppm were detected in well waters collected in the vicinity of two industrial factories in Spain in 1984(1).
(1) Rivera J et al; Chemosphere 14: 395-402 (1985)

13.2.12 Effluent Concentrations

2-Phenoxyethanol has been detected in wastewater effluents from the following industries: paint and ink, organics & plastics, photographic, and mechanical products(1). 2-Phenoxyethanol was detected in samples collected from oil reclaiming wastewaters(2). 2-Phenoxyethanol was qualitatively detected in wastewater samples collected from the Iona Island municipal treatment facility (British Columbia) in 1983(3).
(1) Bursey JT, Pellizzari ED; Analysis of Wastewater for Organic Pollutants in Consent Degree Survey. Contract No. 68-03-2867. Athens, GA: USEPA Environ Res Lab p. 97 (1982)
(2) Gulyas H, Reich M; J Environ Sci Health A35: 435-464 (2000)
(3) Rogers IH et al; Water Pollut Res J can 21: 187-204 (1986)

13.2.13 Atmospheric Concentrations

RAIN/SNOW: Snow samples collected in early March (year not specified) at Lapland, Finland and Moscow, Russia contained 2-phenoxyethanol concentrations of 0.28 and 0.04 ug/kg respectively(1).
(1) Poliakova OV et al; Toxicol Environ Chem 75: 181-194 (2000)

13.2.14 Probable Routes of Human Exposure

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of 2-phenoxyethanol is 1000 or greater; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).
(1) US EPA; Inventory Update Reporting (IUR). Non-confidential 2006 IUR Records by Chemical, including Manufacturing, Processing and Use Information. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Available from, as of Oct 12, 2011: https://cfpub.epa.gov/iursearch/index.cfm
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 111,040 workers (46,637 of these were female) were potentially exposed to 2-phenoxyethanol in the US(1). Occupational exposure to the 2-phenoxyethanol occurs through inhalation of vapor and dermal contact. Its use as solvent for inks, resins and cellulose acetate and its use as a perfume fixative could expose the general population through dermal contact and inhalation of vapor(SRC).
(1) NIOSH; NOES. National Occupational Exposure Survey conducted from 1981-1983. Estimated numbers of employees potentially exposed to specific agents by 2-digit standard industrial classification (SIC). Available from, as of Oct 12, 2011: https://www.cdc.gov/noes/

14 Associated Disorders and Diseases

Associated Occupational Diseases with Exposure to the Compound

Contact dermatitis, allergic [Category: Skin Disease]

Solvents, acute toxic effect [Category: Acute Poisoning]

15 Literature

15.1 Consolidated References

15.2 NLM Curated PubMed Citations

15.3 Springer Nature References

15.4 Thieme References

15.5 Wiley References

15.6 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Literature

15.7 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Literature

15.8 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Literature

16 Patents

16.1 Depositor-Supplied Patent Identifiers

16.2 WIPO PATENTSCOPE

16.3 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Patents

16.4 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Patents

16.5 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Patents

17 Interactions and Pathways

17.1 Protein Bound 3D Structures

17.1.1 Ligands from Protein Bound 3D Structures

PDBe Ligand Code
PDBe Structure Code
PDBe Conformer

17.2 Chemical-Target Interactions

17.3 Drug-Drug Interactions

18 Biological Test Results

18.1 BioAssay Results

19 Taxonomy

The LOTUS Initiative for Open Natural Products Research: frozen dataset union wikidata (with metadata) | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.5794106

20 Classification

20.1 MeSH Tree

20.2 NCI Thesaurus Tree

20.3 ChEBI Ontology

20.4 EPA Safer Choice

20.5 ChemIDplus

20.6 CAMEO Chemicals

20.7 UN GHS Classification

20.8 EPA CPDat Classification

20.9 NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification

20.10 EPA DSSTox Classification

20.11 Consumer Product Information Database Classification

20.12 EPA TSCA and CDR Classification

20.13 LOTUS Tree

20.14 EPA Substance Registry Services Tree

20.15 MolGenie Organic Chemistry Ontology

21 Information Sources

  1. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS)
    Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-phenyl-.omega.-hydroxy-
    https://services.industrialchemicals.gov.au/search-inventory/
  2. CAMEO Chemicals
    LICENSE
    CAMEO Chemicals and all other CAMEO products are available at no charge to those organizations and individuals (recipients) responsible for the safe handling of chemicals. However, some of the chemical data itself is subject to the copyright restrictions of the companies or organizations that provided the data.
    https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/help/reference/terms_and_conditions.htm?d_f=false
    CAMEO Chemical Reactivity Classification
    https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/browse/react
  3. CAS Common Chemistry
    LICENSE
    The data from CAS Common Chemistry is provided under a CC-BY-NC 4.0 license, unless otherwise stated.
    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
  4. ChemIDplus
    ChemIDplus Chemical Information Classification
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/source/ChemIDplus
  5. DrugBank
    LICENSE
    Creative Common's Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode)
    https://www.drugbank.ca/legal/terms_of_use
  6. DTP/NCI
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise indicated, all text within NCI products is free of copyright and may be reused without our permission. Credit the National Cancer Institute as the source.
    https://www.cancer.gov/policies/copyright-reuse
  7. EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
    LICENSE
    The U.S. Government retains a nonexclusive, royalty-free license to publish or reproduce these documents, or allow others to do so, for U.S. Government purposes. These documents may be freely distributed and used for non-commercial, scientific and educational purposes.
    https://www.epa.gov/web-policies-and-procedures/epa-disclaimers#copyright
  8. EPA Chemicals under the TSCA
    EPA TSCA Classification
    https://www.epa.gov/tsca-inventory
  9. EPA DSSTox
    CompTox Chemicals Dashboard Chemical Lists
    https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical-lists/
  10. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
    LICENSE
    Use of the information, documents and data from the ECHA website is subject to the terms and conditions of this Legal Notice, and subject to other binding limitations provided for under applicable law, the information, documents and data made available on the ECHA website may be reproduced, distributed and/or used, totally or in part, for non-commercial purposes provided that ECHA is acknowledged as the source: "Source: European Chemicals Agency, http://echa.europa.eu/". Such acknowledgement must be included in each copy of the material. ECHA permits and encourages organisations and individuals to create links to the ECHA website under the following cumulative conditions: Links can only be made to webpages that provide a link to the Legal Notice page.
    https://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/legal-notice
  11. FDA Global Substance Registration System (GSRS)
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise noted, the contents of the FDA website (www.fda.gov), both text and graphics, are not copyrighted. They are in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from FDA. Credit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the source is appreciated but not required.
    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  12. Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  13. Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
    LICENSE
    HMDB is offered to the public as a freely available resource. Use and re-distribution of the data, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes requires explicit permission of the authors and explicit acknowledgment of the source material (HMDB) and the original publication (see the HMDB citing page). We ask that users who download significant portions of the database cite the HMDB paper in any resulting publications.
    http://www.hmdb.ca/citing
  14. ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
  15. International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
    LICENSE
    (c) The International Fragrance Association, 2007-2021. All rights reserved.
    https://ifrafragrance.org/links/copyright
  16. New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
    LICENSE
    This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International licence.
    https://www.epa.govt.nz/about-this-site/general-copyright-statement/
  17. California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP) Product Database
  18. Consumer Product Information Database (CPID)
    LICENSE
    Copyright (c) 2024 DeLima Associates. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials from CPID are copyrighted by DeLima Associates. No part of these materials, either text or image may be used for any purpose other than for personal use. Therefore, reproduction, modification, storage in a retrieval system or retransmission, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, for reasons other than personal use, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
    https://www.whatsinproducts.com/contents/view/1/6
    Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-phenyl-omega-hydroxy-
    https://www.whatsinproducts.com/chemicals/view/1/6355/009004-78-8
    Consumer Products Category Classification
    https://www.whatsinproducts.com/
  19. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  20. NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
    LICENSE
    Data: CC-BY 4.0; Code (hosted by ECI, LCSB): Artistic-2.0
    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
    2-PHENOXYETHANOL
    NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification
    https://www.norman-network.com/nds/SLE/
  21. Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
    LICENSE
    Copyright (c) 2022 Haz-Map(R). All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials from Haz-Map are copyrighted by Haz-Map(R). No part of these materials, either text or image may be used for any purpose other than for personal use. Therefore, reproduction, modification, storage in a retrieval system or retransmission, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, for reasons other than personal use, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
    https://haz-map.com/About
    Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether
    https://haz-map.com/Agents/1901
  22. ChEBI
  23. LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database
    LICENSE
    The code for LOTUS is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0.
    https://lotus.nprod.net/
  24. Open Targets
    LICENSE
    Datasets generated by the Open Targets Platform are freely available for download.
    https://platform-docs.opentargets.org/licence
  25. Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
    LICENSE
    T3DB is offered to the public as a freely available resource. Use and re-distribution of the data, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes requires explicit permission of the authors and explicit acknowledgment of the source material (T3DB) and the original publication.
    http://www.t3db.ca/downloads
  26. ChEMBL
    LICENSE
    Access to the web interface of ChEMBL is made under the EBI's Terms of Use (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/Information/termsofuse.html). The ChEMBL data is made available on a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/).
    http://www.ebi.ac.uk/Information/termsofuse.html
  27. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD)
    LICENSE
    It is to be used only for research and educational purposes. Any reproduction or use for commercial purpose is prohibited without the prior express written permission of NC State University.
    http://ctdbase.org/about/legal.jsp
  28. Drug Gene Interaction database (DGIdb)
    LICENSE
    The data used in DGIdb is all open access and where possible made available as raw data dumps in the downloads section.
    http://www.dgidb.org/downloads
  29. EPA Chemical and Products Database (CPDat)
  30. Crystallography Open Database (COD)
    LICENSE
    All data in the COD and the database itself are dedicated to the public domain and licensed under the CC0 License. Users of the data should acknowledge the original authors of the structural data.
    https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
  31. DailyMed
  32. EPA Safer Choice
    EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients Classification
    https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice
  33. EU Clinical Trials Register
  34. Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), Safe Work Australia
  35. NITE-CMC
    2-Phenoxyethanol - FY2013 (Revised classification)
    https://www.chem-info.nite.go.jp/chem/english/ghs/13-mhlw-2012e.html
    2-phenoxyethanol - FY2008 (New/original classication)
    https://www.chem-info.nite.go.jp/chem/english/ghs/08-mhlw-0182e.html
    2-Phenoxyethanol - FY2022 (Revised classification)
    https://www.chem-info.nite.go.jp/chem/english/ghs/22-jniosh-2085e.html
  36. Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
    LICENSE
    The copyright for the editorial content of this source, the summaries of EU legislation and the consolidated texts, which is owned by the EU, is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence.
    https://eur-lex.europa.eu/content/legal-notice/legal-notice.html
  37. FDA Substances Added to Food
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise noted, the contents of the FDA website (www.fda.gov), both text and graphics, are not copyrighted. They are in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from FDA. Credit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the source is appreciated but not required.
    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  38. Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA)
  39. IUPAC Digitized pKa Dataset
  40. NMRShiftDB
  41. MassBank Europe
  42. SpectraBase
    2-Phenoxyethanol, phenylglycol
    https://spectrabase.com/spectrum/FXFpX3fAtiD
  43. MassBank of North America (MoNA)
    LICENSE
    The content of the MoNA database is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
    https://mona.fiehnlab.ucdavis.edu/documentation/license
  44. NIST Mass Spectrometry Data Center
    LICENSE
    Data covered by the Standard Reference Data Act of 1968 as amended.
    https://www.nist.gov/srd/public-law
  45. Japan Chemical Substance Dictionary (Nikkaji)
  46. KEGG
    LICENSE
    Academic users may freely use the KEGG website. Non-academic use of KEGG generally requires a commercial license
    https://www.kegg.jp/kegg/legal.html
  47. KNApSAcK Species-Metabolite Database
  48. Natural Product Activity and Species Source (NPASS)
  49. Metabolomics Workbench
  50. National Drug Code (NDC) Directory
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise noted, the contents of the FDA website (www.fda.gov), both text and graphics, are not copyrighted. They are in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from FDA. Credit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the source is appreciated but not required.
    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  51. NCI Thesaurus (NCIt)
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise indicated, all text within NCI products is free of copyright and may be reused without our permission. Credit the National Cancer Institute as the source.
    https://www.cancer.gov/policies/copyright-reuse
  52. NLM RxNorm Terminology
    LICENSE
    The RxNorm Terminology is created by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and is in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from NLM. Credit to the U.S. National Library of Medicine as the source is appreciated but not required. The full RxNorm dataset requires a free license.
    https://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm/docs/termsofservice.html
  53. Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe)
  54. RCSB Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB)
    LICENSE
    Data files contained in the PDB archive (ftp://ftp.wwpdb.org) are free of all copyright restrictions and made fully and freely available for both non-commercial and commercial use. Users of the data should attribute the original authors of that structural data.
    https://www.rcsb.org/pages/policies
  55. Springer Nature
  56. SpringerMaterials
  57. Thieme Chemistry
    LICENSE
    The Thieme Chemistry contribution within PubChem is provided under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license, unless otherwise stated.
    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
  58. Wikidata
  59. Wikipedia
  60. Wiley
  61. PubChem
  62. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
    LICENSE
    Works produced by the U.S. government are not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any such works found on National Library of Medicine (NLM) Web sites may be freely used or reproduced without permission in the U.S.
    https://www.nlm.nih.gov/copyright.html
    Anti-Infective Agents, Local
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68000891
  63. GHS Classification (UNECE)
  64. EPA Substance Registry Services
  65. MolGenie
    MolGenie Organic Chemistry Ontology
    https://github.com/MolGenie/ontology/
  66. PATENTSCOPE (WIPO)
CONTENTS