Benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a pleasant aroma. It is used as a solvent, preservative, and fragrance ingredient in various personal care products and medications.
| IUPAC Name | Benzyl Alcohol |
| Molecular Formula | C7H8O |
| CAS Number | 100-51-6 |
| Synonyms | Phenylmethanol, Benzenemethanol, Hydroxytoluene, Alpha-Toluenol |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C7H8O/c8-6-7-4-2-1-3-5-7/h1-5,8H,6H2 |
Benzyl Alcohol Properties
Benzyl Alcohol Formula
The formula of benzenemethanol is C7H8O. It consists of seven carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. This chemical formula represents the arrangement of atoms in a molecule of benzenemethanol.
Benzyl Alcohol Molar Mass
The molar mass of benzenemethanol is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements. Carbon has a molar mass of 12.01 g/mol, hydrogen has a molar mass of 1.01 g/mol, and oxygen has a molar mass of 16.00 g/mol. By summing these values, the molar mass of benzenemethanol is determined to be 108.14 g/mol.
Benzyl Alcohol Boiling Point
Benzenemethanol has a boiling point of approximately 205°C (401°F). This is the temperature at which the liquid converts into its gaseous state, usually when heated under standard atmospheric pressure. The boiling point of benzenemethanol determines its volatility and its usability in various applications.
Benzyl Alcohol Melting Point
The melting point of benzenemethanol is around -15°C (5°F). This temperature indicates the point at which the solid form of benzenemethanol changes into a liquid upon heating. The melting point is an important characteristic for storage and handling of the substance.
Benzyl Alcohol Density g/mL
Benzenemethanol has a density of approximately 1.045 g/mL. Density represents the mass of a substance per unit volume. This property is useful for determining the concentration or purity of benzenemethanol in a solution.
Benzyl Alcohol Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of benzenemethanol is 108.14 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. The molecular weight provides valuable information about the compound’s mass and aids in calculations involving stoichiometry and chemical reactions.
Benzyl Alcohol Structure
The structure of benzenemethanol consists of a benzene ring attached to a hydroxyl (-OH) group. The hydroxyl group is bonded to the carbon atom of the benzene ring. This structure gives benzenemethanol its unique properties and chemical reactivity.
Benzyl Alcohol Solubility
Benzenemethanol is soluble in water to some extent. It exhibits moderate solubility due to the presence of the hydroxyl group, which allows for hydrogen bonding with water molecules. However, benzenemethanol is more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform. The solubility of benzenemethanol impacts its use as a solvent or additive in various industries.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.045 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Pleasant aroma |
| Molar Mass | 108.14 g/mol |
| Density | 1.045 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -15°C (5°F) |
| Boiling Point | 205°C (401°F) |
| Flash Point | 93°C (199°F) |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.39 mmHg at 25°C |
| Vapour Density | 3.74 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 15.4 |
| pH | Approximately 7 |
Benzyl Alcohol Safety and Hazard
Benzenemethanol poses certain safety considerations and hazards that should be taken into account. It can cause eye and skin irritation upon direct contact, so protective measures like gloves and goggles are recommended. Ingesting or inhaling large amounts of benzenemethanol may lead to nausea, headache, and dizziness. It is crucial to handle benzenemethanol in a well-ventilated area to avoid the accumulation of vapors. Additionally, prolonged or repeated exposure to high concentrations of benzenemethanol may potentially damage the liver. Proper storage and handling procedures should be followed to minimize risks and ensure safety in working environments.
| Hazard Symbols | Irritant |
| Safety Description | Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation. Use appropriate protective measures. |
| UN IDs | UN 1986 |
| HS Code | 29062100 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Toxic to the liver in high concentrations. |
Benzyl Alcohol Synthesis Methods
Different methods synthesize benzenemethanol.
One common method is the catalytic hydrogenation of benzaldehyde. Benzaldehyde reacts with hydrogen gas in the presence of a metal catalyst like palladium or platinum to produce benzenemethanol. The catalyst facilitates the reduction of the carbonyl group in benzaldehyde to form benzenemethanol.
Another method involves the oxidation of toluene. Toluene is first oxidized to form benzaldehyde using an oxidizing agent like potassium permanganate or chromic acid. Subsequently, a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride or hydrogen gas further reduces benzaldehyde to form benzenemethanol.
Benzyl chloride reacts with sodium or potassium hydroxide to produce benzenemethanol through the Williamson ether synthesis. The process involves treating benzyl chloride with a solution of the hydroxide, resulting in the formation of benzenemethanol.
These synthesis methods offer different routes to obtain benzenemethanol, each with its advantages and limitations. The choice of method depends on factors such as availability of starting materials, desired purity, and the specific requirements of the application. It is important to consider safety precautions and handle the chemicals in a controlled environment when conducting these synthesis processes.
Benzyl Alcohol Uses
Benzenemethanol finds various uses across different industries due to its versatile properties. Here are some common applications:
- Solvent: Benzenemethanol effectively dissolves oils, resins, dyes, and cellulose derivatives, making it an ideal solvent for coatings, paints, and inks.
- Preservative: Benzenemethanol preserves a wide range of products, including personal care items, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, by actively inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Fragrance Ingredient: Benzenemethanol imparts a pleasant aroma and functions as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, colognes, and scented products.
- Medications: Various medications such as topical ointments, lotions, and antiseptic solutions utilize benzenemethanol as an active pharmaceutical ingredient.
- Flavoring Agent: Benzenemethanol enhances the taste of food and beverages as an active flavoring agent.
- Cleaning Products: Benzenemethanol’s solvent and antimicrobial properties make it a valuable ingredient in cleaning agents, detergents, and disinfectants.
- Industrial Applications: Industries employ benzenemethanol as a solvent and reaction medium in polymer production and other industrial processes.
- Textile Industry: Benzenemethanol aids in the spinning process of synthetic fibers in the textile industry.
- Chemical Intermediary: Benzenemethanol actively participates as an intermediate in synthesizing various chemicals, including benzyl esters, benzyl ethers, and benzylamines.
- Veterinary Applications: In veterinary medicine, benzenemethanol serves as an anesthetic and actively treats ear infections in animals.
These diverse applications highlight the importance and widespread utility of benzyl alcohol in multiple industries.
Questions:
Q: What is benzyl alcohol?
A: Benzenemethanol is a colorless liquid with a pleasant aroma, commonly used as a solvent, preservative, and fragrance ingredient in various personal care products and medications.
Q: Is benzyl alcohol bad for hair?
A: Benzenemethanol, when used in appropriate concentrations, is generally safe for hair and is commonly found in hair care products as a preservative or fragrance ingredient.
Q: Is benzyl alcohol halal?
A: The halal status of benzenemethanol depends on its source and the manufacturing process. If it is derived from permissible sources and produced in accordance with halal standards, it can be considered halal.
Q: Where can I buy benzyl alcohol?
A: Benzenemethanol is available for purchase from various sources including chemical suppliers, online retailers, and local pharmacies or stores that sell cosmetic ingredients.
Q: What is benzyl alcohol used for?
A: Benzenemethanol is used as a solvent, preservative, fragrance ingredient, and pharmaceutical ingredient in personal care products, cosmetics, medications, and industrial applications.
Q: Toluene to benzyl alcohol?
A: Toluene can be converted to benzenemethanol through a two-step process: oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde, followed by reduction of benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol.
Q: Benzyl chloride to benzyl alcohol?
A: Benzyl chloride can be converted to benzenemethanol by treating it with sodium or potassium hydroxide through the Williamson ether synthesis.
Q: Aniline to benzyl alcohol?
A: Aniline can be converted to benzenemethanol through a series of steps involving the reduction of aniline to benzylamine, followed by oxidation of benzylamine to benzyl alcohol.
Q: Benzenemethanol to 2-phenylethanoic acid?
A: Benzenemethanol can be converted to 2-phenylethanoic acid through oxidation using strong oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate or chromic acid.
Q: How to convert benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol?
A: Benzaldehyde can be reduced to benzenemethanol by using reducing agents like sodium borohydride or hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst.
Q: Which is more acidic, benzyl alcohol or phenol?
A: Phenol is more acidic than benzenemethanol due to the resonance stabilization of the phenoxide ion formed upon deprotonation.