Benzyl Alcohol

Benzyl Alcohol

Overview:
Benzyl alcohol is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₇H₈O and structural formula C₆H₅CH₂OH. It is one of the simplest aromatic alcohols and can be considered a phenyl-substituted methanol. In nature, it mostly exists in the form of esters in essential oils, such as jasmine oil, hyacinth oil, and Peru balsam.

Basic Information

• Chinese Name: 苯甲醇

• Other Name: 苄醇

• English Name: Benzyl Alcohol

• Chemical Formula: C₇H₈O

• Structural Formula: C₆H₅CH₂OH

• Molecular Weight: 108.138

• CAS Number: 100-51-6

• EINECS Number: 202-859-9

Physicochemical Properties

Physical Properties:

• Appearance: Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor

• Melting Point: -15.3°C

• Boiling Point: 205.7°C

• Density: 1.04 g/cm³

• Ignition Temperature: 436°C

• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; easily soluble in alcohol, ether, and aromatic hydrocarbons

• Refractive Index: 1.5396

Chemical Properties:

• Can be oxidized or dehydrogenated to form benzaldehyde

• Hydrogenation may produce toluene, bibenzyl, methylcyclohexane, or cyclohexylmethanol

• Reacts with carboxylic acids to form esters

• In the presence of catalysts such as zinc chloride, boron trifluoride, boric acid, phosphoric acid, or sulfuric acid, it can condense to form resinous substances

Functions and Applications

• Fragrance Ingredient:
  Benzyl alcohol is an important fixative and widely used in jasmine, tuberose, and ylang-ylang fragrance formulations. Also used in soap and cosmetic fragrances.

• Oxidation Caution:
  Slowly oxidizes in air to form benzaldehyde and benzyl ether, giving it an almond-like odor—therefore not suitable for long-term storage.

• Industrial Uses:

  • Solvent for coatings, synthetic resins, and dyes

  • Photographic developer

  • PVC stabilizer

  • Preservative in ointments and liquid medicines

  • Solvent for vitamin B injections

  • Dehydrating agent for nylon fibers, plastics, and films

  • Intermediate in the production of benzyl esters and ethers

  • Used in pen ink (ballpoint oil) and paint solvents

• Cosmetic Use:

  • Listed as a restricted-use preservative

  • Maximum usage level: 1%

• Food Industry:

  • Listed as a temporarily permitted flavoring agent under GB 2760-1996

  • Used as a fixative and lipid solvent

  • Common in berry and nut-type flavor formulations

• Other Applications:

  • Preparation of floral oils, pharmaceuticals, plasticizers, dyes, soap, and more