Benzyl alcohol, an aromatic compound with a benzene ring and a hydroxyl group. It is a colorless liquid that possesses a mild fragrance and pleasant odor. It decomposes to benzaldehyde when exposed to air and is incompatible with oxidising agents. A versatile solvent, preservative and in the fragrance and flavour industry, commonly found in certain teas and fruits and is produced naturally. It is used as a solvent in paints, waxes, epoxy resins, lacquer and in various essential oils.
CAS No.: 123-31-9
Synonyms: Phenylmethanol, benzenemethanol, phenylcarbinol, Benzoyl alcohol, Benzenecarbinol, Hydroxytoluene, alpha-Toluenol, Phenylmethyl alcohol
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H8O |
| IUPAC name | phenylmethanol |
| Molecular weight | 108.14Â g/mol |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in organic solvents |
| Odor | Faint aromatic odor |
| Density | 1.0419 g/cu cm at 24 °C |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White or light gray |
| State | Crystal or powder |
| Boiling point | 205.3 °C |
| Melting point | -15.2 °C |
| LogP | 1.1 |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.094 mm Hg at 25 °C |
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Functions as an antimicrobial agent, helping to preserve cosmetic formulations.
Act as an effective solvent, aiding in the dissolution of fragrances, active ingredients, and essential oils.
Improves the viscosity, spreadability, and overall texture of products such as serums, shampoos, creams, and lotions.
A 5% benzyl alcohol solution was approved by the FDA in 2003 for use as a treatment to immobilize head lice.
Pharmaceutical and Industrial Applications
Widely used in injectable and topical medications due to its solvent and preservative properties.
Acts as a solvent for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), enhancing solubility and formulation stability.
Common side effects
Severe side effects
| Pictograms : |
|
| Hazard Statements : | H302+H332 Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled |
| Precautionary statements : | P261 Avoid breathing mist/vapours/spray. |
Benzyl alcohol, an aromatic compound with a benzene ring and a hydroxyl group. It is a colorless liquid that possesses a mild fragrance and pleasant odor. It decomposes to benzaldehyde when exposed to air and is incompatible with oxidising agents. A versatile solvent, preservative and in the fragrance and flavour industry, commonly found in certain teas and fruits and is produced naturally. It is used as a solvent in paints, waxes, epoxy resins, lacquer and in various essential oils.
CAS No.: 123-31-9
Synonyms: Phenylmethanol, benzenemethanol, phenylcarbinol, Benzoyl alcohol, Benzenecarbinol, Hydroxytoluene, alpha-Toluenol, Phenylmethyl alcohol
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H8O |
| IUPAC name | phenylmethanol |
| Molecular weight | 108.14Â g/mol |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in organic solvents |
| Odor | Faint aromatic odor |
| Density | 1.0419 g/cu cm at 24 °C |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White or light gray |
| State | Crystal or powder |
| Boiling point | 205.3 °C |
| Melting point | -15.2 °C |
| LogP | 1.1 |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.094 mm Hg at 25 °C |
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Functions as an antimicrobial agent, helping to preserve cosmetic formulations.
Act as an effective solvent, aiding in the dissolution of fragrances, active ingredients, and essential oils.
Improves the viscosity, spreadability, and overall texture of products such as serums, shampoos, creams, and lotions.
A 5% benzyl alcohol solution was approved by the FDA in 2003 for use as a treatment to immobilize head lice.
Pharmaceutical and Industrial Applications
Widely used in injectable and topical medications due to its solvent and preservative properties.
Acts as a solvent for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), enhancing solubility and formulation stability.
Common side effects
Severe side effects
| Pictograms : |
|
| Hazard Statements : | H302+H332 Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled |
| Precautionary statements : | P261 Avoid breathing mist/vapours/spray. |
Benzyl Alcohol is used as a preservative in hair products, helps in removing head lice. Although, depending on the amount it can cause scalp build-up and can dry the scalp.
Benzyl Alcohol is generally considered as safe in small amounts but it is not safe for newborns and can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. A patch test is recommended before using the products that contain benzyl alcohol for people with sensitive skin.
Benzyl Alcohol is used as a preservative, antimicrobial agent, and fragrance ingredient, whereas Benzoyl Peroxide is added to gels, creams, and face washes to help reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and treat acne.
Benzyl Alcohol is a polar molecule as it consists of a hydroxyl group (-OH) that allows the molecule to form hydrogen bonds.
