Phenyl acetate levels in urine are marker for the diagnosis of some forms of unipolar major depressive disorders. It undergoes Fries rearrangement to form a mixture of o- and p-hydroxyacetophenones which are useful intermediates in manufacture of pharmaceuticals. It is a metabolite of Phenylbutyrate (PB), useful in the treatment of neuroblastoma and lung cancer. An odorant found in strawberries, passion fruit and black tea.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.