Benzyl Alcohol

Benzyl Alcohol
Compound Structure:
Synonyms: benzyl alcohol;phenylmethanol;benzenemethanol;100-51-6;Phenylcarbinol;Benzoyl alcohol;benzylalcohol;Benzenecarbinol;Phenylmethyl alcohol;Hydroxytoluene;alpha-Toluenol;(Hydroxymethyl)benzene;Phenolcarbinol;Benzal alcohol;benzylic alcohol
Compound ID: NMPC-648
PubChem ID:

244

Molecular Formula: C7H8O
Canonical SMILES: C1=CC=C(C=C1)CO
InChIKey: WVDDGKGOMKODPV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
About the compound:

Benzyl alcohol is a chemical compound that appears as a clear, colorless liquid, notable for its pleasant odor. It has a slightly higher density than water, with a flash point of 194 °F and a boiling point of 401 °F. Exposure to benzyl alcohol may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and it can be mildly toxic if ingested. This compound is often utilized in the production of other chemicals. Chemically, benzyl alcohol is categorized as an aromatic alcohol. Its structure consists of a benzene ring attached to a hydroxymethyl substituent. In the field of chemistry, it serves various roles, including acting as a solvent, a metabolite, an antioxidant, and a fragrance component. Known scientifically as α-Cresol, benzyl alcohol is represented with the formula C6H5CH2OH. In chemical notation, the benzyl group is often abbreviated as "Bn" (to be distinguished from "Bz," which stands for benzoyl), so benzyl alcohol is sometimes denoted as BnOH. Apart from its industrial applications, benzyl alcohol is notable for its relatively low toxicity, low vapor pressure, and its solvent properties, owing to its polarity. It exhibits moderate water solubility (4 g/100 mL) and is miscible in alcohols and diethyl ether. When deprotonated, the alcohol group forms an anion known as benzylate or benzyloxide. Benzyl alcohol is not just a synthetic product; it is produced naturally by many plants and is commonly found in fruits and teas. It is also a component of several essential oils, including those derived from jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang. Additionally, it occurs naturally in castoreum, which is secreted by the castor sacs of beavers. Natural occurrences of benzyl esters have also been documented.

GHS Hazard Statements

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

First Aid

Eye Exposure:

Remove contact lenses and rinse eyes with water/saline for 20-30 minutes.

Call hospital/poison control, avoid applying substances to eyes.

Transport victim to hospital, regardless of symptoms.

Skin Contact:

Flood affected skin with water, remove contaminated clothing, cleanse with soap.

Call hospital/poison control, transport victim to hospital promptly.

Inhalation:

Leave contaminated area, breathe fresh air.

If symptoms occur, consult physician, wear appropriate respiratory protection.

Ingestion:

Do not induce vomiting.

If conscious, give water, call hospital/poison control, transport to hospital.

If convulsing/unconscious, ensure clear airway, do not give anything by mouth, transport to hospital (Adapted from NTP, 1992).

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.


Properties:

Chemical and Physical Properties

Property Name

Property Value

Molecular Weight

108.14 g/mol

XLogP3

1.1

Hydrogen Bond Donor Count

1

Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count

1

Rotatable Bond Count

1

Exact Mass

108.057514874 g/mol

Monoisotopic Mass

108.057514874 g/mol

Topological Polar Surface Area

20.2Ų

Heavy Atom Count

8

Formal Charge

0

Complexity

55.4

Isotope Atom Count

0

Defined Atom Stereocenter Count

0

Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count

0

Defined Bond Stereocenter Count

0

Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count

0

Covalently-Bonded Unit Count

1

Compound Is Canonicalized

Yes

Physical Description

Benzyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Slightly denser than water. Flash point 194 °F. Boiling point 401 °F. Contact may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. May be slightly toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.

Boiling Point

401 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

Melting Point

4.5 °F (NTP, 1992)

Density

1.05 at 1515 °F (USCG, 1999)

Solubility 

Soluble in benzene, methanol, chloroform, ethanol, ether, methanol, chloroform and acetone

Vapor Pressure

0.1 mmHg at 68 °F ; 1 mmHg at 136 °F (NTP, 1992)

Source: PubChem

Source Species: Eremomastax speciosa
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