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Benzyl alcohol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H8O
CAS number
100-51-6
IUPAC name
[4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methanol
State
State

At room temperature, benzyl alcohol is typically a liquid. It can sometimes be found as a solid depending on purity and conditions, but this is less common.

Melting point (Celsius)
-15.30
Melting point (Kelvin)
257.85
Boiling point (Celsius)
205.30
Boiling point (Kelvin)
478.45
General information
Molecular weight
122.16g/mol
Molar mass
122.1640g/mol
Density
1.0440g/cm3
Appearence

Benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant aromatic odor. It has a slightly sweet taste and an oily texture. It is often seen as a clear liquid but can sometimes appear as a white crystalline solid when pure.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of [4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methanol

[4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methanol, also known by its systematic name, often exhibits interesting solubility characteristics due to its molecular structure. This compound contains both hydrophilic (due to the hydroxymethyl group) and hydrophobic parts (the phenyl ring), which results in its unique solubility behavior.


Factors Influencing Solubility:

  • Polarity: The presence of the hydroxymethyl group adds polarity, enhancing solubility in polar solvents like water.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: This compound can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, further increasing its solubility.
  • Temperature: As with many organic compounds, solubility can increase with temperature. Warmer conditions often lead to better solvation.

To summarize, [4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methanol demonstrates significant solubility in polar solvents, primarily due to its ability to engage in hydrogen bonding. Its solubility characteristics can be pivotal when considering its applications in various chemical processes and product formulations.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about [4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methanol

[4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methanol, also known in some circles as a derivative of phenol, presents a fascinating case study for both organic chemists and researchers focusing on medicinal chemistry. This compound offers a multitude of intriguing properties and potential applications:

  • Structural Variety: The presence of a hydroxymethyl group on the aromatic ring provides distinctive chemical behavior, influencing reactivity and interactions with biological systems.
  • Pharmacological Interest: Compounds related to [4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methanol have been investigated for their potential therapeutic applications, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
  • Catalysis and Synthesis: It serves as an important intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, making it a valuable building block in organic synthesis.
  • Research Potential: Ongoing studies explore its role in designing new materials, specifically in light of its functional hydroxymethyl group, which can engage in further chemical modifications.

This compound embodies the interplay between structure and function in organic chemistry. As a scientist, one might approach [4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methanol with a mindset of exploration, looking to unravel not only its reactivity patterns but also its potential role in advancing various fields of research. As the renowned chemist Linus Pauling once said, "The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas." Embracing this ethos can lead to groundbreaking discoveries in the study of [4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methanol and its derivatives.

Synonyms
1,4-BENZENEDIMETHANOL
589-29-7
Terephthalyl alcohol
1,4-phenylenedimethanol
p-Xylyl alcohol
p-Xylylenediol
4-(hydroxymethyl)benzyl alcohol
UNII-4919Q1C910
NSC-5097
EINECS 209-641-2
AI3-25222
4919Q1C910
DTXSID1060427
DTXCID6042490
209-641-2
bwvaoonfbyyrhy-uhfffaoysa-n
inchi=1/c8h10o2/c9-5-7-1-2-8(6-10)4-3-7/h1-4,9-10h,5-6h
p-Xylylene glycol
[4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methanol
p-Xylene glycol
1,4-Xylylene glycol
p-Benzenedimethanol
1,4-Dimethylolbenzene
1,4-Bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene
p-Xylene-alpha,alpha'-diol
p-(Hydroxymethyl)benzyl alcohol
p-Bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene
p-Xylylene dialcohol
p-Phenylenedimethanol
1,4-DI(HYDROXYMETHYL)BENZENE
MFCD00004665
p-Xylene-.alpha.,.alpha.'-diol
alpha,alpha'-Dihydroxy-p-xylene
NSC 5097
.alpha.,.alpha.'-p-Xylenediol
p-Xylylene-.alpha.,.alpha.'-diol
.alpha.,.alpha.'-Dihydroxy-p-xylene
p-Phenylene dicarbinol
alpha,alpha'-p-Xylenediol
P-XYLENE-A,A'-DIOL
p-Xylylene-alpha,alpha'-diol
1,4-PHENYLENEDICARBINOL
BENZENE-1,4-DIMETHANOL
1,4-benzene dimethanol
A1BDW
p-Xylene-?,?'-diol
1,4-phenylene-dimethanol
SCHEMBL41775
1,4-Benzenedimethanol, 99%
CHEMBL4536209
4-(hydroxymethyl)-benzyl alcohol
NSC5097
CK2445
AKOS009159500
CS-W016500
FX67582
1,4-Benzenedimethanol p-Xylylene glycol
AC-12623
AS-14363
SY036781
D0605
NS00034041
EN300-55336
Q27259200
F8880-4846
1,4-Benzene dimethanol;p-Xylylene glycol;1,4-Bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene
1,4-benzenedimethanol; p-phenylenedimethanol; p-xylene-alpha,alpha'-diol; p-xylylene glycol
25214-80-6