Benzyl alcohol
| Benzyl alcohol | |
|---|---|
| Benzyl alcohol | |
| Chemical name | Benzyl alcohol |
| Other names | phenylmethanol, phenylcarbinol |
| Chemical formula | C7H8O |
| Molecular mass | 108.14 g/mol |
| CAS number | [100-51-6] |
| Density | 1.044 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | -15 °C |
| Boiling point | 205 °C |
| SMILES | OCC1=CC=CC=C1 |
 Benzyl alcohol
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| Benzyl alcohol | |
| Disclaimer and references | |
Benzyl alcohol, also known as phenylmethanol, or phenylcarbinol, is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild pleasant aromatic odor. It melts at -15 °C and boils at 205 °C. Benzyl alcohol has a good solvency, low toxicity and low vapor pressure. It is partially soluble in water (4g/100ml) and readily soluble in alcohol and ether. Benzyl alcohol is prepared by the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride in the presence of soda ash. It can also be prepared via a Grignard reaction by reacting phenylmagnesium bromide (C6H5MgBr) with formaldehyde, then treating with a dilute acid. The alcohol reacts with acids (acetic, benzoic, and sebacic acids) to form esters and other compounds.
Applications
Benzyl alcohol[1] is used as a general solvent for inks, paints, lacquers and epoxy resin coatings. It is also used as a raw material of various esters, used in the soap, perfume, and flavor industries. It is also used as a photographic developer and in perfumes, flavor industries, pharmaceuticals as a bacteriostatic and antipruritic.