Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl Alcohol is an organic compound with the formula C6H5CH2OH. It 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 is partially soluble in water (4 g/100 mL) and completely miscible in alcohols and diethyl ether.

Chemical Properties

Benzyl alcohol has a molecular weight of 108.14 g/mol. It has a boiling point of 205.3°C and a melting point of -15.3°C. It is classified as an alcohol because it contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom.

Production

Benzyl alcohol is produced naturally by many plants and is commonly found in fruits and teas. It is also found in a variety of essential oils including jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang. It can also be produced synthetically through the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride using sodium hydroxide.

Uses

Benzyl alcohol is used in a wide variety of applications. It is used in the manufacture of plasticizer, resin, paint, ink, polish, perfume, soap, and cosmetics. In the medical field, it is used as a local anesthetic and is also used in the treatment of head lice.

Safety

Benzyl alcohol is not considered hazardous. However, it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, and if ingested or inhaled in large amounts, it can cause damage to the central nervous system.

Environmental Impact

Benzyl alcohol is readily biodegradable and has low potential for bioaccumulation. However, its production and use can lead to its release into the environment through various waste streams.