Benzyl Alcohol

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Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with a mild pleasant odor and clear, colorless liquid appearance. It serves as a versatile solvent, preservative, and intermediate in chemical synthesis. Benzyl Alcohol is widely used across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints, coatings, and as a bacteriostatic agent in injectable drugs. Its relatively low toxicity and good solvent properties make it valuable in both industrial and consumer products.

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Categories: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Excipients, Preservatives(food), Solvents (Cleaning), Solvents(pharmaceutical)

Description

Table of Contents

Benzyl Alcohol

Primary Uses

Pharmaceuticals & Medical

Used as a bacteriostatic preservative in injectable drugs and intravenous solutions.
Acts as a solvent for various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Included in topical, ophthalmic, and nasal formulations for its antimicrobial properties.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Serves as a preservative and solvent in creams, lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products.
Used in fragrances and perfumes as a solvent and fixative.
Included for its antimicrobial properties in skin care formulations.

Industrial Applications

Solvent in paints, coatings, inks, and varnishes due to its moderate evaporation rate.
Used in manufacturing plasticizers, dyes, and synthetic flavors/fragrances.
Intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals including esters and benzyl derivatives.

Food Industry

Used as a flavoring agent and preservative in some food products (regulated usage).

Secondary Uses

Employed in printing and textile industries as a solvent for dyes and inks.
Utilized in the synthesis of esters for plasticizers and perfumes.
Used in woodworking and cleaning applications as a solvent and preservative.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Benzyl alcohol
Common/Trade Names: Benzyl Alcohol, Phenylcarbinol
CAS Number: 100-51-6
HS Code: 2914.39.00
Molecular Formula: C7H8O
Synonyms: Phenylmethanol, Benzenemethanol

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Colorless liquid
Color & Odor: Colorless, mild pleasant aromatic odor
Melting Point: -15°C
Boiling Point: 205.3°C
Density: 1.04 g/cm³
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (~4 g/100 mL at 20°C), miscible with most organic solvents
pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic
Vapor Pressure: 0.13 mm Hg at 25°C
Flash Point: 93°C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 450°C
Viscosity: ~4.3 mPa·s at 20°C

Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Flammable liquid, Category 4
NFPA Ratings: Health 1, Flammability 2, Reactivity 0
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL = 10 ppm (benzyl alcohol vapor)
Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; incompatible with strong oxidizers
Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; may cause skin or eye irritation on prolonged exposure

Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat or ignition sources
Container Type: Glass or metal containers recommended
Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years under proper storage
Special Handling: Use gloves and eye protection; prevent vapor buildup and avoid inhalation

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

FDA: Approved for use as a food additive and in pharmaceuticals
EU: Approved for use in cosmetics (INCI name Benzyl Alcohol) and food flavoring
Transportation: Classified as flammable liquid; handle according to regulations
Waste Disposal: Dispose of according to local environmental regulations

Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate toxicity to aquatic life; avoid environmental release
Persistence: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC or OSHA

Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE: Use chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing.
Ventilation: Handle in well-ventilated areas to avoid vapor accumulation.
Fire Safety: Keep away from open flames, sparks, and hot surfaces. Use proper grounding to prevent static discharge.
Spill Response: Absorb spills with inert material; avoid release into drains or environment.
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid ingestion and inhalation.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation or difficulty occurs.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical care if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical assistance.

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Flammable liquid; vapors may ignite and cause flash fires.
Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray.
Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Cool containers exposed to fire with water spray.