Phenyl ethyl sulfide is the simplest aromatic–aliphatic mixed thio-ether, consisting of a phenyl and an ethyl group linked by a sulfur atom. The material is air- and photo-stable, miscible with all common organic solvents (dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, toluene, alcohols, ketones) and essentially insoluble in water (≈ 170 mg L⁻¹ at 25 °C).
Key physicochemical data:
Density: 1.02 g cm⁻³ (20 °C)
Refractive index n²⁰/D: 1.566
Melting point: −87 °C
Boiling point: 204 °C (760 mmHg)
Flash point: 70 °C (closed cup)
Vapour pressure: 0.4 mmHg (25 °C)
Log P (octanol/water): 2.9
Typical uses:
High-boiling solvent and flavour/fragrance intermediate (provides “onion-garlic” top-note at ≤ 1 ppm).
Building block for phenyl-ethyl sulfoxide/sulfone pharmaceutical impurities and agro-chemical standards.
Model substrate for mechanistic studies on C–S bond activation and cross-coupling reactions.
Quality specification (commercial grade):
Purity (GC): ≥99 %
Water content (KF): ≤0.1 %
Free thiol (as PhSH): ≤0.05 %
Residue on ignition: ≤0.05 %
Heavy metals: ≤10 ppm
Hazard statement:
Flammable liquid and vapour (H226). Causes skin and eye irritation (H315 + H319). Keep away from heat, sparks and open flames. Use gloves, goggles and adequate ventilation. SDS available on request.
