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Benzyl Alcohol: More Than Just a Solvent

Historical Development

Few chemical compounds have traveled as widely through industrial applications and medical innovations as benzyl alcohol. Chemists first separated it from natural sources like jasmine and other fragrant oils back in the 19th century. At that time, folks recognized its aroma and its place in perfumery, but its chemical versatility would soon bring it to early photography labs and medical wards. German and French scientists honed the purification process, and throughout the early 20th century, benzyl alcohol’s role in both technology and medicine kept growing. Over the decades, manufacturers shifted from plant extraction to synthetic production, favoring processes that offered greater consistency and purity. By the mid-20th century, the pharmaceutical world embraced benzyl alcohol as a preservative and a local anesthetic, especially in injectable medications, which demanded high safety standards.

Product Overview

Benzyl alcohol stands out as a colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant aromatic scent. On pharmacy shelves, it pops up in everything from topical creams to injectable solutions, while in the world of industrial manufacturing you’ll find it as a solvent for dyes, inks, paints, epoxy resins, and even degreasing cleaners. With that broad reach, businesses rely on a steady supply chain where quality doesn’t take a back seat. You get the best results from benzyl alcohol that meets food or pharmaceutical grades, minimizing impurities and satisfying strict regulatory demands. Manufacturers and buyers keep a close eye on supplied grades, recognizing that poor-quality batches don’t just affect product performance—they can raise serious safety and compliance issues.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Seeing benzyl alcohol for the first time, you might mistake it for water—it’s a clear liquid, after all, and nearly odorless unless you take a real whiff. Its boiling point sits at about 205°C, far above water, which comes in handy for industrial uses that leverage thermal stability. The chemical formula, C7H8O, spells out a benzene ring sporting a single methanol group—a simple design, but it underpins a sturdy resistance to oxidation. Mix it with ethanol, diethyl ether, or chloroform, and you’ll see benzyl alcohol blend in nicely, but it stands aloof from water where it only dissolves in small amounts. Its viscosity proves valuable in controlling flow and texture in paints and syrups. Working with it in the lab, you learn quickly how stable and predictable it acts compared to other alcohols like methanol or ethanol.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Governments and trade organizations don’t mess around when it comes to the specs on benzyl alcohol. In pharmaceuticals, purity takes center stage, requiring a minimum assay of 99.0%. Residual solvents, aldehydes, acids, and heavy metals all get measured in parts per million since traces can compromise the shelf life and safety of the final application. Labels on pharmaceutical or industrial grades make note of origin, composition, and batch number, and often include storage recommendations—far from sunlight, at well-controlled temperatures. Some packaging adds tamper-evident features to keep up with the demands of regulatory compliance. Depending on intended use, manufacturers include hazard identification—flammable liquid and irritant—and contact details for follow-up. My own experience shows that responsible labeling not only keeps products out of trouble; it helps with fast problem-solving if any batch shows quirks during application.

Preparation Method

Starting with conventional extraction from plant essences, the world now obtains benzyl alcohol mostly from petrochemical sources using the Grignard reaction, where phenylmagnesium bromide meets formaldehyde. Another route comes from hydrolyzing benzyl chloride in the presence of an alkaline solution. Each process demands precise temperature and pressure control, which means safety and equipment maintenance matter. Quality assurance steps check every batch, since contaminants not only sour the yield but can interfere with downstream applications. At scale, closed-loop systems prevent loss and minimize worker exposure, which helps tackle both environmental and safety pressures. Manufacturing plants invest in automated monitoring and in-line purification, streamlining throughput to meet both bulk and specialty orders. The experience I’ve had with scaling similar chemical processes taught me the value of investing upfront in robust quality control.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

The chemistry world treats benzyl alcohol as a useful go-between. React it with strong oxidizers and you end up with benzaldehyde, an ingredient found in almond flavorings and specialty solvents. Take it to the next stage and push for benzoic acid; use oxidizing agents carefully to keep yields high and by-products low. Chemists often use benzyl alcohol as a building block for benzylic bromides and chlorides, which find their place in more complex formulations, including pharmaceuticals and polymer additives. The alcohol group participates in esterification—pair it with carboxylic acids, fire up the right catalyst, and you land esters used for scenting or flavoring. Its reactivity, controlled using standard laboratory techniques, earns it a spot in undergraduate chemistry lab manuals and industrial syntheses alike. My time doing organic syntheses showed me how a simple swap in the benzylic group changed reactivity, especially if you’re aiming for selective transformations.

Synonyms & Product Names

Walk through any chemical distributor’s catalog, and you’ll notice benzyl alcohol hiding behind a roster of aliases. Chemists refer to it as phenylmethanol, α-hydroxytoluene, or even benzenecarbinol. In the fragrance and flavor world, it turns up as "Artificial Jasmine Oil," tugging at its historical ties to perfumery. Some medical product labels shorten it to "Benzalcohol" or list it in multi-ingredient solutions as “preservative: E1519,” based on European food additive codes. Ensuring clarity in labeling prevents supply chain mix-ups, especially in a global market where the same compound picks up different trade names. I’ve seen errors and delays crop up—sometimes dangerous—when formulations misidentify their alcohol base, highlighting the need for diligence in chemical management and purchasing.

Safety & Operational Standards

Benzyl alcohol rarely causes trouble when handled with the right precautions. A little care goes a long way, as direct skin contact can cause irritation, and accidental ingestion or inhalation may lead to dizziness or nausea. Workplaces that store and process large quantities lean on fume hoods, splash guards, gloves, and well-marked storage containers. Spills clean up fast with inert absorbents, and storage guidelines suggest keeping it well away from heat sources or oxidizing chemicals. In pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA audit companies to ensure benzyl alcohol content stays within safe limits. Setting up reliable air monitoring and spill-response routines prevents bigger headaches down the line, something that’s paid off in every lab environment I’ve managed.

Application Area

Turn to pharmaceuticals, and you see benzyl alcohol acting as a bacteriostatic preservative in vials, syrups, and ointments. Many injectable drugs rely on it to keep multi-dose vials free from microbial growth after opening. Cosmetic companies appreciate its mildness as a solvent and preservative in lotions, shampoos, and cleansers. Paints and coatings manufacturers use it as a thinner and drying controller, especially where a slow, steady evaporation is important. Industrial cleaning solutions feature it for tough degreasing jobs, especially in electronics or precision engineering where residues pose performance risks. In photography’s heyday, developers prized benzyl alcohol for its ability to balance viscosity in complex emulsions. Each field tailors its use of benzyl alcohol to take advantage of its solubility, low volatility, and preservative qualities—in some ways, it’s the workhorse behind much of what we take for granted in manufactured and medicated goods.

Research & Development

Scientists never really stop digging into the many sides of benzyl alcohol. Pharmaceutical R&D teams look for new drug formulations blending benzyl alcohol with active ingredients to improve absorption. Polymer chemists tinker with benzyl alcohol derivatives for plastic activators and stabilizers. Some labs explore greener synthesis pathways, putting pressure on petrochemical processes to shrink their environmental footprint. Recent years saw push for less allergenic cosmetic preservatives, nudging researchers to examine combinations and blends where benzyl alcohol’s mildness stands out. Collaborations between universities and industry players turn up steady streams of new patents, many promising better yields, reduced toxicity, or enhanced compatibility. As someone who’s spent time in joint industry-academic teams, I know breakthrough ideas often spring from smart re-examination of these “old faithful” compounds.

Toxicity Research

Most folks never run into trouble using products containing benzyl alcohol, but toxicity research keeps setting the limits that define ‘safe’. Babies, especially the premature, run the highest risk after exposure—even small doses can trigger toxicity, sometimes called “gasping syndrome”. Animal testing established the metabolic pathways, showing that human adults rapidly break it into benzoic acid and hippuric acid for safe elimination. At higher concentrations, it acts as a central nervous system depressant. In household and industrial settings, excessive or prolonged skin contact causes redness, swelling, or in rare cases, allergic dermatitis. Regulatory authorities now cap allowable levels in baby products and strictly review all injectable medications. Toxicologists continue tracking long-term effects from low-level exposure, keeping up with shifts in manufacturing practices and consumption patterns. My encounters with regulatory submissions taught me that updating safety protocols as new findings come in isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about protecting real people.

Future Prospects

Tomorrow promises even more for benzyl alcohol, if current trends hold. Demand in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors keeps inching upwards as consumer safety requirements grow stricter. Ongoing research into bio-based synthesis could make the compound less dependent on fossil fuels, cutting emissions and waste. Digital monitoring and quality-tracing platforms now help lock down batch purity, from the refinery to the store shelf. Environmental agencies worldwide push for smarter waste management, and some companies experiment with closed-loop, circular production systems where by-products turn into inputs for other industrial streams. Biomedical innovators keep re-examining benzyl alcohol as a solubilizer for new drug candidates and vaccines. If history is any guide, the compound will continue evolving alongside changing needs—still flexible, still essential, no matter how sophisticated the applications or the requirements get.




What is benzyl alcohol used for?

Why Benzyl Alcohol Stands Out

Walk into any pharmacy or personal care aisle and benzyl alcohol probably shows up more than most folks realize. This simple aromatic alcohol stands as a common ingredient you might find in everything from eye drops to skin lotions. What makes it so valuable is its versatility. Through my own work in healthcare writing and research, I’ve seen how regulators and scientists pay close attention to safety and practicality, and benzyl alcohol often checks those boxes.

Everyday Reasons People Use Benzyl Alcohol

Pharmaceutical companies rely on benzyl alcohol for its role as a preservative. The world learned about dangerous bacteria and fungi in multi-use products the hard way, so keeping medicines safe for more than one opening matters. Benzyl alcohol helps prevent contamination, especially in injectable drugs—think of vials opened more than once in hospitals or clinics. Actual cases have shown its effectiveness, lowering infection rates and offering an alternative to more aggressive chemicals that can irritate sensitive patients.

Beyond the medicine cabinet, cosmetic products employ this same compound. Creams and lotions keep their shelf life thanks to benzyl alcohol’s ability to stave off microbial growth. Without it, manufacturers would risk spoilage and users could suffer breakouts or rashes from unseen germs. Those prone to eczema or sensitive skin, myself included, often scan ingredient labels for harsh preservatives. Benzyl alcohol lands in a sweet spot, causing fewer adverse reactions than many synthetic preservatives, while still getting the job done.

Special Uses in Medical Settings

Benzyl alcohol also works as a local anesthetic. In hospitals or doctor’s offices, it reduces injection pain when added to some medications. Anyone who’s shied away from needles because of pain can appreciate small advances like this. For infants or those needing frequent injections, this detail makes regular treatments more bearable. Studies from pediatric clinics have confirmed lower pain scores and less distress when benzyl alcohol is present in the mix.

The Manufacturing Side

Industrial applications add another dimension. Benzyl alcohol acts as a solvent, breaking down inks, dyes, and paints. Manufacturers need solutions that dissolve sticky or hard-to-remove substances, and benzyl alcohol fits the bill. Unlike some industrial solvents, it offers lower toxicity and a milder odor, giving workers and the environment a gentler experience. Proper ventilation and safe handling still count of course, but benzyl alcohol represents a step up from harsher products found in older factories.

Safety: Navigating the Risks

Every conversation around chemicals needs to address safety. At high concentrations, or in large doses, benzyl alcohol can cause side effects like skin irritation or even toxicity, especially in infants—famously referred to as "gasping syndrome" among neonates. This isn’t hypothetical; the Food and Drug Administration and World Health Organization set strict limits for benzyl alcohol in medical and topical products. Over years of reading product recalls and safety advisories, I’ve learned how vital these checks remain. Consumer advocacy and government oversight push companies to stay transparent and careful with formulas containing benzyl alcohol.

Smarter Use, Better Outcomes

The way forward means keeping benzyl alcohol in the toolbox but always mindful of context. Researchers must innovate around possible allergies. Makers need to disclose ingredients clearly. Pharmacies and clinics benefit from safer, less reactive preservatives. Everyday people gain longer-lasting and safer products. With commonsense guidelines, benzyl alcohol continues to serve across industries, making routines a bit safer and smoother for everyone.

Is benzyl alcohol safe for skin care products?

Understanding Benzyl Alcohol’s Role

You look at the back of your favorite lotion or serum, and you see “benzyl alcohol” listed among the ingredients. A lot of folks pause, right there – isn’t alcohol supposed to dry out skin? It’s a fair question, because one careless ingredient can turn nice skin care into a source of breakouts, redness, or stinging. But not all alcohols in skin care are the same, and lumping them together misses a lot of nuance.

Benzyl alcohol works pretty hard behind the scenes. It keeps products from spoiling, fighting off bacteria and fungi to give creams and toners a decent shelf life. You’ll also see it in fragrances, giving cosmetics a pleasant finish most people recognize but can’t quite name. It comes from natural sources like fruits, and it can also be made in a lab. Dermatologists and chemists know it’s a useful tool—one that keeps creams from turning into a mess of microbes after a week on your bathroom shelf.

Safety Records and Research

So, what are the facts? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives benzyl alcohol the thumbs up for use in cosmetics. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, a group that dives deep into ingredient safety, looked at studies where people used products containing benzyl alcohol in regular amounts and found it safe. This isn’t to say “the more the better” is always safe—high concentrations or swallowing it bring a different story—but skin creams and cleansers? Those stay in the safe zone with typical use.

Still, skin is as personal as taste in coffee. Someone may go years using benzyl alcohol without issue. Someone else might get a mild reaction—redness or itching—for reasons tied to allergies or super-sensitive skin. In my experience, people with eczema or very dry skin sometimes notice more irritation from any added preservatives, including benzyl alcohol, compared to someone with tougher, oily skin. Reading labels, patch testing on a small spot, and keeping an honest log of reactions really help track down troublemakers.

Stories From Real Life

I’ve worked with people who found benzyl alcohol-based creams soothing, especially if they battled breakouts or had concerns about shelf stability. On the other hand, I’ve also seen folks, including myself, steer clear during seasons of heightened sensitivity or allergy flare-ups. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in skin care. Context matters—a preservative that’s gentle for everyday skin might not suit a flare-up of rosacea or contact dermatitis.

Looking for Safer Solutions

Benzyl alcohol isn’t the lone choice for preservation. Brands constantly test alternative ingredients—like ethylhexylglycerin, potassium sorbate, or newer plant-based compounds—especially as people call for “cleaner” skin care. The science keeps moving. It’s worth keeping an open conversation with dermatologists or trained estheticians, especially if you’ve known allergies or ongoing skin flare-ups. If irritation appears, switching to fragrance-free or preservative-free brands during a rough patch can sometimes calm things down.

For most people using mainstream moisturizers or cleansers, benzyl alcohol in low amounts means more protection against spoiled products than risk from the ingredient itself. Navigating these choices gets easier with a clear understanding of personal skin needs, attention to product details, and a bit of patience for trial and error. Taking care of skin asks for honesty and a willingness to listen to what your body has to say.

Can benzyl alcohol cause allergic reactions?

Everyday Chemicals Hide in Plain Sight

Walk through any pharmacy and peek at ingredient lists on lotions, shampoos, injectable medications, or topical drugs. Benzyl alcohol shows up all over the place, sometimes as a preservative or solvent. Many people have used products with it for years without issue. But for some, benzyl alcohol can stir up real trouble: allergic reactions that can affect skin, airways, or even the whole body. I remember once grabbing a new moisturizer for my son, only to see his cheeks light up with hives half an hour later. The common link? Benzyl alcohol, nestled among the ten-syllable names in tiny print.

What Does Scientific Evidence Show?

Allergy to benzyl alcohol isn’t the most common problem, but it’s recognized by dermatologists, pharmacists, and allergists. Case reports in medical journals document people developing eczema, urticaria (that’s hives), or even more intense responses after using creams or injectables containing this ingredient. A survey conducted in Sweden, published by the journal Contact Dermatitis, found patch test reactions in folks with sensitive skin or ongoing eczema.

Healthcare workers also pay attention to it. Ask anyone who works with anesthesia, because benzyl alcohol sometimes sits in multi-dose vials as a preservative. Newborns can face serious issues if they get too much benzyl alcohol — in fact, toxicity has led to tighter rules about what kinds of medications hospitals use on infants. But most of us aren’t newborns. So why care?

Your Skin Talks

Allergic reactions don’t always look the same. Some people develop red, itchy rashes within hours of using a new skin cream. Others might try a nasal spray or get an injection and feel throat tightness or shortness of breath. These aren’t just annoying — sometimes they’re dangerous. I learned to check labels after that moisturizer episode. It wasn’t just one brand either. Toothpaste, makeup remover, even eye drops: benzyl alcohol sneaks in at low levels, and most don’t notice until symptoms force the issue.

Weighing Risks and Benefits

Benzyl alcohol serves a real purpose. As a preservative, it helps keep bacteria from growing in products that sit on shelves. Some medications work better or last longer with it in the mix. That means risk isn’t the same for everyone. Most folks walk through life with no reaction. But if you or a loved one has sensitive skin, eczema, or a track record of allergies, it makes sense to pay closer attention. Look beyond the front labels and check the ingredient lists — do some digging before trying something new, especially if symptoms pop up after a product change.

Pharmacists can offer guidance, and allergists can do patch testing for stubborn cases. FDA regulations require ingredient listings, but the type may not jump out at you without careful reading.

What Can Help?

Someone dealing with repeat skin flare-ups can take a couple of real steps. Write down the names of products or medications that caused issues. Share that list with your primary doctor or dermatologist — don’t assume it’s just “sensitive skin.” If benzyl alcohol turns up as the culprit, search for fragrance-free or preservative-free versions, especially for lotions, cleansers, or nasal sprays. Health professionals at the pharmacy counter often know brands that skip this chemical.

Living with allergies means sharpening your detective skills. Benzyl alcohol doesn’t always cause harm, but it’s worth knowing what goes on — and under — your skin. If it causes trouble, better to find out before it knocks at your door again.

Is benzyl alcohol a preservative?

What Makes Benzyl Alcohol Stand Out

Benzyl alcohol shows up in a range of skin care and pharmaceutical products, often tucked into ingredient lists that look more like chemistry lessons than something destined for your face or medicine cabinet. In my kitchen, I keep my spices dry to avoid spoilage. Imagine benzyl alcohol playing that same protective role inside lotions, creams, and injectable meds. Benzyl alcohol isn’t just some add-on; it fights off bacteria and fungi that want to spoil what’s inside your bottle.

The Science Behind Its Role

Benzyl alcohol, a type of aromatic alcohol found naturally in fruits and tea, carries an interesting dual function. At lower doses, it acts as a solvent, helping dissolve active ingredients. At a slightly higher concentration—typically around 1% in cosmetic formulations—it stops bacteria and mold in their tracks. The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety points to its effectiveness as a preservative, not just a fragrance ingredient. Anyone who’s scooped out moisturizer only to find it separated or smelling off can appreciate the value of this little molecular workhorse.

Is It Safe?

Safety carries real weight for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. As someone who’s dealt with his fair share of rashes from mysterious products, I know the importance of understanding what goes on my body. Benzyl alcohol rarely triggers allergic reactions and breaks down quickly when processed by the body. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration limits how much can go into food and pharmaceuticals, and the European Union regulates its use in cosmetic products as well. For most adults, reactions are rare.

Infants, especially preemies, don’t handle it so well. There’s a reason manufacturers label infant medications to avoid this preservative. In adults, topical and oral exposure remains within global safety standards, but that doesn’t mean total freedom to slather it everywhere.

Why It Matters in Daily Products

Without some form of protection, opened creams or lotions quickly turn into a wet playground for bacteria and mold. I’ve personally tossed out more than a few expensive products because they seemed off. Preservatives like benzyl alcohol stretch the lifespan of these items and keep the formulas stable. Natural products often skip synthetic preservatives and end up spoiling faster than expected. Benzyl alcohol helps close this gap. In large-scale production and the global shipping world, keeping products safe until they reach shelves just isn’t possible without something doing this job.

Alternatives and Consumer Choices

Plenty of debate surrounds synthetic preservatives. Parabens, for example, faced public backlash, so more companies look for alternatives like phenoxyethanol or naturally derived preservatives. Benzyl alcohol earns a spot on the safer list thanks to its lower allergenic profile and good track record in peer-reviewed studies. For those still feeling uneasy, checking for “benzyl alcohol” on the label takes little effort. Several brands make preservative-free products, but they need refrigerating or tossing away after a short time.

Gauging the Bigger Picture

As consumers, we want products that stay fresh and safe without causing harm. Benzyl alcohol does the job well in most common situations. If you react badly, new preservation techniques using plant extracts or safer synthetics continue to develop. I stick with what's proven safe for my family and read labels with a skeptical eye. Knowledge and transparency matter most.

What are the side effects of benzyl alcohol?

Benzyl Alcohol: Common Uses and Growing Concerns

Benzyl alcohol pops up in so many places. You’ll see it listed on everything from lotions and shampoos to some injections and prescription drugs. It’s there as a preservative or a solvent – a handy workhorse in both cosmetics and medicine. With so many people coming into contact with it daily, folks want to know what could go wrong. I’ve seen parents worry about products for babies or folks with sensitive skin reading every label twice. It’s smart to look beyond the marketing claims and get to know what might actually happen with regular exposure.

Allergic Reactions and Skin Issues

Benzyl alcohol isn’t known for causing trouble most of the time, but some people run into problems. Redness, itching, or swelling where the product touched the skin all point to irritation or a mild allergic reaction. I’ve met people who swear some face creams or cleansers burned their skin, and the ingredient lists hint at why. Eczema-prone folks and babies’ delicate skin both can react more strongly, leading to scaly rashes that don’t clear up until the product gets thrown out. In my own home, friends with fragrance sensitivities often explain that even a little benzyl alcohol pushes their skin over the edge.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets limits on how much can go in products, because high concentrations bring bigger risk. Commercial solutions tend to hover near safe levels, yet not every skin type follows the rulebook.

Serious Reactions—Rare, But Worth Knowing

In hospitals, medications sometimes rely on benzyl alcohol as a solvent, especially in injectable forms. Neonates (especially premature infants) have ended up with a condition called “gasping syndrome” after receiving medications with benzyl alcohol as a preservative. This tragic outcome involved seizures, trouble breathing, and even death, prompting strong warnings. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against products with benzyl alcohol for newborns. This isn’t something most adults need to worry about, but stories like this show why ingredient choices matter more when health is fragile.

There’s also risk for people getting allergy shots, IV medications, or anesthesia that uses this ingredient. Rarely, systems go haywire, with blood pressure drops or severe respiratory problems. Every doctor weighs those odds before using such drugs, and it always pays to mention allergies, even if you think it’s only a skincare issue.

Everyday Exposure and Ways to Stay Safe

Instances of toxicity in healthy adults are few and far between, mainly because everyday doses stay low. Still, small irritations that build up can leave people frustrated. Skincare shouldn’t bring worry, yet those prone to allergies or with existing skin conditions stand to gain by switching to “fragrance-free” or “preservative-free” options. Familiarity with ingredient lists arms people with the power to make better choices.

Doctors, for their part, often double-check what’s in the products they recommend to babies or pregnant women. Some compounding pharmacies also offer preservative-free versions for folks who react to additives. Home care can come down to seeking out alternatives, keeping an eye on symptoms, and not hesitating to talk to a doctor. A quick patch test—even for a shampoo or lotion—can sidestep bigger problems down the road.

Putting the Risks in Perspective

No ingredient comes risk-free, but benzyl alcohol usually flies under the radar unless someone has a history with allergies or other sensitivities. The rare dangers to infants sharpen awareness about how different bodies respond. Protecting yourself or your family takes vigilance, a good look at the label, and a little persistence finding alternatives if new rashes or discomfort show up. With so many choices on the market, safer options always exist, and health professionals stay updated on the best advice to minimize harm.

Benzyl Alcohol
Names
Preferred IUPAC name phenylmethanol
Other names Phenylmethanol
Benzenecarbinol
Benzene methanol
Phenylcarbinol
Alpha-hydroxytoluene
Pronunciation /ˈbɛn.zɪl ˈæl.kə.hɒl/
Identifiers
CAS Number 100-51-6
Beilstein Reference 635853
ChEBI CHEBI:17987
ChEMBL CHEMBL521
ChemSpider 5797
DrugBank DB06728
ECHA InfoCard 100.112.531
EC Number 200-579-1
Gmelin Reference Gmelin Reference: 10372
KEGG C01474
MeSH D001570
PubChem CID 244
RTECS number DJ3325000
UNII 3I6AJ8BENI
UN number UN1990
Properties
Chemical formula C7H8O
Molar mass 108.14 g/mol
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid with a faint aromatic odor.
Odor Faint aromatic odor
Density 1.04 g/cm³
Solubility in water 4 g/100 mL (20 °C)
log P 1.10
Vapor pressure 0.11 mmHg (25°C)
Acidity (pKa) 15.4
Basicity (pKb) 15.4
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) -68.5×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol
Refractive index (nD) 1.538
Viscosity 5.9 mPa·s (at 20 °C)
Dipole moment 1.70 D
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) S⦵298 = 216.0 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) -126.6 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) −3228 kJ/mol
Pharmacology
ATC code D04AA10
Hazards
Main hazards Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation.
GHS labelling GHS02, GHS07
Pictograms GHS02,GHS07
Signal word Warning
Hazard statements H302, H319, H332
Precautionary statements P210, P261, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P313
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) 2-2-0
Flash point 100°C
Autoignition temperature 435°C
Explosive limits Explosive limits: 1.3–13%
Lethal dose or concentration LD50 (Oral, Rat): 1,230 mg/kg
LD50 (median dose) LD50 (median dose) of Benzyl Alcohol: "1230 mg/kg (rat, oral)
NIOSH DN3150000
PEL (Permissible) 10 ppm
REL (Recommended) 10 mg/kg
IDLH (Immediate danger) 1000 ppm
Related compounds
Related compounds Benzaldehyde
Benzyl chloride
Benzoic acid
Toluene
Phenol