Benzyl Alcohol

Benzyl alcohol is a versatile chemical compound with a variety of applications in different industries. With a purity of 99.8%, this anhydrous form of benzyl alcohol is available for purchase through ChemComplex.

Chemicals Characteristics

Synonyms: BnOH, Benzenemethanol
Chemical Formula: C₆H₅CH₂OH
CAS Number: 100-51-6

Molar Weight

108.14 g/mol

Melting Point

-15 °C

Boiling Point

205 °C

Flash Point

99 °C

Density

1.045 g/mL at 25 °C

Forms

Liquid (clear)

Entire form

Key Points/Overview

Benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant aromatic odor. It is a useful solvent due to its polarity, low toxicity, and low vapor pressure. Benzyl alcohol has applications in a wide variety of industries, including paint, lacquer, and varnish removers, as a photographic developer, and in the preparation of various esters. It is also used as a bacteriostatic preservative at low concentration in intravenous medications, cosmetics, and topical drugs.

The product is anhydrous, meaning it contains no water, which is crucial for applications where the presence of water can lead to adverse effects or undesired reactions. The high purity of this product (99.8%) makes it suitable for use in high-grade chemical reactions and processes.

Uses & Benefits

Benzyl alcohol is used in a variety of applications due to its solvent properties and its ability to kill bacteria and fungi. Here are some of the key uses and benefits.

Pharmaceutical Industry:

  • Used as a bacteriostatic preservative in various formulations.
  • Employed in the manufacture of other benzyl compounds, as a pharmaceutic aid, and in perfumery and flavoring.

Personal Care and Cosmetics:

  • Utilized as a solvent and preservative in lotions, creams, and ointments.
  • Acts as a fragrance ingredient and a viscosity-decreasing agent.

Industrial Applications:

  • Used in the synthesis of other organic compounds.
  • Serves as a solvent for inks, paints, lacquers, and epoxy resin coatings.

Photographic Developer:

  • Employed as a solvent in the photographic industry.

Safety Information

Consumer Exposure

Benzyl alcohol is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and is also permitted for use as an indirect food additive in flavorings. However, it is important to handle it with care, as it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Ingestion or inhalation of large quantities can be harmful.

Occupational Exposure

Workers in industries where benzyl alcohol is used may be exposed through inhalation or skin contact. It is important for employers to ensure that proper safety measures are in place to minimize exposure and protect the health of their employees.

Note: The information provided here is based on general industrial standards and should not replace the advice of qualified professionals in specific industries.