Benzyl Alcohol Extra Pure
Benzyl Alcohol Extra Pure is a high-purity, clear, colorless liquid with a mild aromatic odor, widely used in laboratory chemistry for analytical, synthetic, and preparative applications. It functions as a versatile solvent for inks, resins, waxes, and dyes, and plays a key role in organic synthesis, particularly in esterification and benzylation reactions. Its moderate polarity and low volatility make it valuable in sample preparation, chromatography, and pharmaceutical research. The extra pure grade guarantees minimal levels of impurities, ensuring reliable performance in high-precision laboratory procedures. Benzyl alcohol should be handled with care and stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place, away from strong oxidizing agents.
USES
Primary Uses
- Solvent in Organic and Analytical Chemistry
- Serves as a polar solvent for inks, dyes, resins, cellulose esters, and oils in experimental setups.
- Used in extraction, recrystallization, and spectroscopy involving slightly polar compounds.
- Reagent in Organic Synthesis
- Acts as a starting material or intermediate for synthesizing benzyl esters, benzyl ethers, and benzaldehyde in lab-scale reactions.
- Demonstration of Alcohol Reactions
- Used to teach oxidation of alcohols, particularly oxidation to benzaldehyde or benzoic acid with appropriate oxidizing agents (e.g., KMnOâ‚„, PCC).
- Preparation of Benzyl Derivatives
- Involved in nucleophilic substitution reactions, esterification, and as a protecting group precursor in multistep syntheses.
Secondary Uses
- Solvent for UV-Vis and IR Spectroscopy
- Useful for dissolving organic analytes in spectral studies, especially where water or more polar solvents are not compatible.
- Model Compound in Physical Chemistry Labs
- Used in experiments involving boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, and Raoult’s law due to its manageable volatility.
- Antibacterial Solvent in Biological Sample Prep
- Occasionally used to prepare biological slides or solutions in microbiology or molecular biology labs due to its mild antiseptic properties.
- Intermediate in Drug/Formulation Research
- Investigated in lab-scale pharmaceutical formulation studies for its role in drug solubilization and topical delivery systems.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Benzyl Alcohol
- CAS Number: 100-51-6
- HS Code: 2906.29.00
- Molecular Formula: C₇H₈O
- Molar Mass: 108.14 g/mol
- Synonyms:
- Phenylmethanol
- Benzenemethanol
- α-Hydroxytoluene
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Clear, colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant aromatic odor
- Boiling Point: 205 °C
- Melting Point: −15.3 °C
- Density: 1.045 g/cm³ at 20 °C
- Solubility:
- In Water: Slightly soluble (4 g/100 mL at 25 °C)
- Miscible with: Ethanol, ether, acetone, chloroform
- pH Level: ~7 (neutral in aqueous solution)
- Vapor Pressure: 0.14 mmHg at 25 °C
- Flash Point: 93 °C (closed cup)
- Autoignition Temperature: 436 °C
- Viscosity: ~5.9 cP at 25 °C
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification:
- Acute toxicity (oral, Category 4)
- Acute toxicity (inhalation, Category 4)
- Eye irritation (Category 2A)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 2
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- No specific OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV; minimize inhalation and contact
- Reactivity:
- Stable under normal lab conditions
- Incompatible with strong oxidizers and acids
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in tightly sealed containers
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated lab cabinet away from heat and ignition sources
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong oxidizing agents (e.g., nitric acid)
- Container Type:
- Glass or HDPE bottles
- Shelf Life:
- Stable up to 2–3 years when properly stored
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use gloves and goggles
- Work in a fume hood for extended exposure or when heating
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed in TSCA, REACH, and FDA (non-lab use as a preservative)
- Hazard Symbols (GHS pictograms):
- UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport in typical lab quantities
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Dispose in accordance with local environmental regulations
- Typically through incineration or hazardous waste disposal routes
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Moderately toxic to aquatic organisms
- Persistence in Environment:
- Readily biodegradable
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic
- Low long-term toxicity but may cause irritation
 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear lab coat, nitrile gloves, and chemical splash goggles.
- Use in a fume hood to avoid inhalation of vapors.
- Handling:
- Avoid breathing vapors or mist.
- Prevent contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
- Use only with adequate ventilation.
- Handle away from heat and sources of ignition.
- Storage:
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
- Keep away from oxidizing agents and acids.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash thoroughly after handling.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Move person to fresh air.
- Provide oxygen or artificial respiration if necessary.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
- Skin Contact:
- Wash affected area with soap and water.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Seek medical advice if irritation develops.
- Eye Contact:
- Rinse thoroughly with water for 15 minutes.
- Lift eyelids occasionally to ensure full flushing.
- Seek medical attention if discomfort continues.
- Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water.
- Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
- Seek immediate medical help.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Extinguishing Media:
- Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚), or water spray.
- Fire Hazards:
- Combustible liquid.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air at high temperatures.
- Decomposition can produce toxic fumes (e.g., CO, COâ‚‚).
- Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
- Wear full protective gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Cool containers with water spray.
- Use water spray to disperse vapors and protect personnel.