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Benzyl alcohol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H8O
CAS number
100-51-6
IUPAC name
phenylmethanol
State
State

At room temperature, benzyl alcohol is a liquid. It is not viscous and is miscible with water and most alcohols and ethers.

Melting point (Celsius)
-15.20
Melting point (Kelvin)
257.95
Boiling point (Celsius)
205.40
Boiling point (Kelvin)
478.55
General information
Molecular weight
108.14g/mol
Molar mass
108.1410g/mol
Density
1.0440g/cm3
Appearence

Benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a mild aromatic odor. It features a pleasant, slightly sweet aroma and has a distinct almond-like scent.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Phenylmethanol (C7H8O)

Phemylmethanol, commonly known as benzyl alcohol, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics:

  • Solubility in Water: Phenylmethanol is moderately soluble in water, with solubility around 4 g/100 mL at room temperature. This solubility is influenced by the presence of the hydroxyl group, which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: It is highly soluble in organic solvents, which include:
    • Ethanol
    • Acetone
    • Chloroform
    • Diethyl ether
  • Factors Affecting Solubility: The solubility behaviors are affected by factors such as:
    • Temperature - Increased temperature generally increases solubility in both water and organic solvents.
    • pH - The solubility may vary with changes in pH, particularly in acidic or basic environments.

As summarized effectively: “Phenylmethanol's solubility profile showcases its compatibility with both hydrophilic and lipophilic environments.” This dual solubility makes it a valuable compound in various applications, from pharmaceuticals to cosmetic formulations.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Phenylmethanol

Phenylmethanol, also known as benzyl alcohol, is an intriguing compound with various applications and properties that extend well beyond its simple structure. Here are some captivating aspects of this chemical:

  • Natural Occurrence: This compound is found naturally in many essential oils, such as jasmine and rose, contributing to their fragrant profiles.
  • Versatile Solvent: Due to its polar characteristics, phenylmethanol is an effective solvent for a wide array of organic compounds, making it invaluable in the laboratory settings.
  • Preservative Properties: The compound exhibits antimicrobial properties, which allow it to be used as a preservative in cosmetic and topical formulations.
  • Pharmaceutical Use: In the pharmaceutical industry, phenylmethanol serves as a precursor in the synthesis of various medications, particularly in the production of certain antioxidants.
  • Flavoring Agent: Thanks to its sweet scent, it is also used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages, enhancing the sensory experience of consumption.
  • Biodegradability: An interesting attribute of phenylmethanol is its biodegradability, which makes it more environmentally friendly compared to many synthetic compounds.

As a unique compound, phenylmethanol encapsulates a variety of scientific principles, from organic chemistry to environmental science. Its applications demonstrate how a chemical substance can serve multiple roles, showcasing the connectedness of chemistry in everyday life. Whether used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or food production, the significance of phenylmethanol should not be understated!

Synonyms
benzyl alcohol
phenylmethanol
benzenemethanol
100-51-6
phenylcarbinol
benzylalcohol
Benzoyl alcohol
Benzenecarbinol
alpha-Toluenol
Phenylmethyl alcohol
Hydroxytoluene
(Hydroxymethyl)benzene
Phenolcarbinol
Alcool benzylique
Benzal alcohol
Methanol, phenyl-
alpha-hydroxytoluene
benzylic alcohol
Benzylicum
Phenylcarbinolum
Euxyl K 100
66072-40-0
hydroxymethylbenzene
Bentalol
Ulesfia
Phenyl Methanol
Phenyl-Methanol
BENZYL-ALCOHOL
Alcohol bencilico
Caswell No. 081F
alcoholum benzylicum
Benzyl alcohol (natural)
FEMA No. 2137
Benzylalkohol
NCI-C06111
Alcool benzilico
Aromatic alcohol
Alcohol, Benzyl
.alpha.-Toluenol
Alcool benzilico [DCIT]
Itch-X
NSC 8044
HSDB 46
benzenmethanol
.alpha.-Hydroxytoluene
Benzalalcohol
Benzalcohol
CCRIS 2081
Aromatic primary alcohol
Alcoolbenzylique
Alcohol,benzyl
Alcool benzylique [INN-French]
Benzyl alkohol
Alcohol bencilico [INN-Spanish]
Methanol benzene
Alcoholum benzylicum [INN-Latin]
UNII-LKG8494WBH
Alcohol benzylicus
NSC-8044
EINECS 202-859-9
BnOH
LKG8494WBH
MFCD00004599
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 009502
Hydroxymethyl resin (100-200 mesh)
BRN 0878307
Sunmorl BK 20
DTXSID5020152
CHEBI:17987
INS NO.1519
AI3-01680
INS-1519
Hydroxymethyl resin (200-400 mesh)
TOLUENE,ALPHA-HYDROXY
DTXCID70152
Benzyl alcohol (Benzenemethanol)
E-1519
EC 202-859-9
4-06-00-02222 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
185532-71-2
NCGC00091865-01
BENZYL ALCOHOL (II)
BENZYL ALCOHOL [II]
MBN
4-Hydroxymethylated polystyrene
BENZYL ALCOHOL (MART.)
BENZYL ALCOHOL [MART.]
Alcool benzylique (INN-French)
BENZYL ALCOHOL (USP-RS)
BENZYL ALCOHOL [USP-RS]
Alcohol bencilico (INN-Spanish)
Alcoholum benzylicum (INN-Latin)
BENZYL ALCOHOL (EP MONOGRAPH)
BENZYL ALCOHOL [EP MONOGRAPH]
phenylmethan-1-ol
CAS-100-51-6
Ulesfia (TN)
Benzyl alcohol [USAN:INN:JAN]
enzylalcohol
Protocoxil
phenyl carbinol
benzene-methanol
Benzyl Alcohole
a-Hydroxytoluene
a-Toluenol
Alcohol benzilico
Benzyl alcohol [INN:JAN:NF]
PhCH2OH
Bn-OH
Benzyl alcohol (Standard)
SCHEMBL147
Benzyl alcohol, ACS grade
bmse000407
C6H5CH2OH
CHEMBL720
WLN: Q1R
BENZYL ALCOHOL [MI]
Benzyl alcohol (JP15/NF)
BENZYL ALCOHOL [FCC]
BENZYL ALCOHOL [INN]
BENZYL ALCOHOL [JAN]
benzyl alcohol (ring-13c6)
BENZYL ALCOHOL [FHFI]
BENZYL ALCOHOL [HSDB]
BIDD:ER0248
ALCOHOL,BENZYL [VANDF]
BENZYL ALCOHOL [VANDF]
ZilactinEarly Relief Cold Sore
TB 13G
Benzyl alcohol, LR, >=99%
BENZYL ALCOHOL [WHO-DD]
BENZYL ALCOHOL [WHO-IP]
BDBM16418
HY-B0892R
NSC8044
Benzyl alcohol (JP18/NF/INN)
HMS3264B16
HMS3885F10
Pharmakon1600-01502555
Benzyl alcohol, analytical standard
Benzyl alcohol, AR, >=99.5%
BIA74095
HY-B0892
Benzyl alcohol, anhydrous, 99.8%
Tox21_111172
Tox21_202447
Tox21_300044
BBL011938
BENZYL ALCOHOL [ORANGE BOOK]
NSC760098
s4600
STL163453
Benzyl alcohol, >=99%, FCC, FG
AKOS000119907
Benzyl alcohol, natural, >=98%, FG
CCG-213843
DB06770
NSC-760098
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 009502
NCGC00091865-02
NCGC00091865-03
NCGC00091865-04
NCGC00254154-01
NCGC00259996-01
ALCOHOL BENZYLICUS [WHO-IP LATIN]
Benzyl alcohol, ACS reagent, >=99.0%
Benzyl alcohol, ReagentPlus(R), >=99%
Benzyl alcohol, USP, 98.0-100.5%
DA-61590
FH111609
FH111704
B2378
Benzyl alcohol, tested according to Ph.Eur.
Benzylalcohol 100 microg/mL in Acetonitrile
E1519
NS00009775
Benzyl alcohol, p.a., ACS reagent, 99.0%
Benzyl alcohol, SAJ first grade, >=98.5%
EN300-20016
Benzyl alcohol, SAJ special grade, >=99.0%
Benzyl alcohol, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%
C00556
C03485
D00077
D70182
Q52353
SBI-0653497.0001
AB01563201_01
A800221
SR-01000872610
SR-01000872610-3
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE IMPURITY A [EP IMPURITY]
BRD-K98494274-001-03-6
BRD-K98494274-001-05-1
F0001-0019
Z104476418
3762963D-6C2A-4BFF-AD94-3180E51BCA68
Benzyl alcohol, certified reference material, TraceCERT(R)
Benzyl alcohol, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Benzyl alcohol, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, >=99.0% (GC)
Benzyl alcohol, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
InChI=1/C7H8O/c8-6-7-4-2-1-3-5-7/h1-5,8H,6H
Benzyl alcohol, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
202-859-9
Benzyl alcohol, puriss., meets analytical specification of Ph.??Eur., BP, NF, 99-100.5% (GC)
StratoSpheres(TM) PL-HMS (Hydroxymethylstyrene) resin, 50-100 mesh, extent of labeling: 2.0 mmol loading, 1 % cross-linked