What Is Phenylacetic Acid?
Phenylacetic acid is an organic compound consisting of a methyl group of acetic acid with one hydrogen atom replaced by a phenyl group.
Its molecular formula is C8H8O2, and its CAS number is 103-82-2.
It has a molecular weight of 136.15, a melting point of 76-77°C, and a boiling point of 265.5°C. At room temperature, it exists as a white solid and has a characteristic odor. This odor is unpleasant when the concentration is high, but when the concentration is low, the substance has a honey-like aroma and is sometimes used in perfumes.
It has a density of 1.081 g/mL and is soluble in ethanol, ether, and hot water. Phenylacetone can be synthesized from Phenylacetic acid, but phenylacetone is a raw material for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
Uses of Phenylacetic Acids
As mentioned above, the distribution of phenylacetic acid is strictly regulated by the Methamphetamine Control Law. Legitimate uses include use as an ingredient in perfumes and as a pharmaceutical raw material.
It is known to be contained in fruits and plants as auxin (a plant hormone that stimulates plant growth). It is also present in plant essential oils such as peppermint oil, rose oil, and neroli oil, and is used in perfumes for its characteristic scent.
In light concentrations, the substance is described as having a honey-like aroma. It is also used as a fragrance in soap in the form of esters. A typical application as a pharmaceutical raw material is in the synthesis of penicillin G.
Penicillin G is a strongly effective antibiotic against bacteria such as streptococci and meningococci, and is a historically important compound in the treatment of infectious diseases.
Characteristics of Phenylacetic Acids
In terms of stability, phenylacetic acid may be altered by light. Under storage conditions, high temperatures and direct sunlight are conditions that should be avoided.
In addition, when storing the product, it is necessary to avoid mixing with strong oxidizing agents. Decomposition products include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Types of Phenylacetic Acids
Phenylacetic acid is sold as a chemical for organic synthesis, as a reagent product for research and development, and as an industrial chemical product. However, as a raw material for methamphetamine, it is subject to the Methamphetamine Control Law.
For this reason, it is difficult to actually obtain these products even if they are commercialized, and in many cases the manufacturers themselves do not have them in stock. Due to these regulations, special facilities are also required for storage and management after obtaining the product.
As an industrial chemical, it is manufactured in fiber drum packaging in 25 kg, 50 kg, and other capacity units.
Other Information on Phenyl Acetic Acids
1. Synthesis of Phenylacetic Acids
Phenylacetic acid is obtained by hydrolysis of benzyl cyanide. From benzyl cyanide, 2-phenylacetamide is first formed, and further hydrolysis yields phenylacetic acid.
Phenylacetic acid is relatively easy to synthesize, but as mentioned above, it is forbidden to synthesize without permission. For engineers engaged in organic synthesis, it is important to understand and design synthesis to avoid unintentional formation.
2. Regulatory Information on Phenylacetic Acids
Phenylacetic acid is strictly prohibited by the Methamphetamine Control Law because, as mentioned above, it is a raw material for methamphetamine, amphetamine, and other stimulants. The purpose of the Methamphetamine Control Law is to “implement necessary controls on the import, export, possession, manufacture, transfer, receipt, and use of the actual substance and its raw materials in order to prevent health and sanitary hazards caused by the abuse of methamphetamine.”
A certificate of designation as a researcher of methamphetamine raw materials is required for handling, and violations are punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years (import, export, and manufacture of methamphetamine raw materials) or up to 7 years (possession, transfer, receipt, and use of methamphetamine raw materials).