Cumyl alcohol, also called 4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol, is a liquid, hydroxy functional, aromatic organic chemical with formula C10H14O. It has the CAS Registry Number of 536-60-7 and the IUPAC name of (4-propan-2-ylphenyl)methanol. It is REACH registered with the EC number of 208-640-4.

Uses

The most common use is as a food additive to add flavor. The material also has insect repellent properties.

Manufacture

Hydrogenation of cuminal can produce cumyl alcohol.

Other

Cumyl alcohol is an undesired side reaction product when LDPE is crosslinked. LDPE is used as a plastic electric insulator for electrical power cables. The cumyl alcohol reduces the insulating properties.

Alternative names

Main sources of information.

  • p-Cymen-7-ol
  • 4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol
  • Cumic alcohol
  • Cuminol
  • Cuminyl alcohol
  • (4-Isopropylphenyl)methanol
  • Cuminic alcohol

Toxicology

The toxicity of the material has been studied and is reasonably well understood.