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.

Description

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
  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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.