BENZYL ALCOHOL

CAS no: 100-51-6

EC / List no: 202-859-9

Chemical formula: C7H8O

Synonyms: Benzyl Alcohol, Benzenemethanol, Phenylmethanol, Phenyl Methanol, Phenyl-Methanol, Phenylcarbinol, Phenylmethyl Alcohol, Benzylic Alcohol, Hydroxymethylobenzene, Alcol Benzilico, Alcool Benzylique, Alcool Benzylque, Benzylalkohol, Benzyl Alkohol, Fenilmetanol, Fenylmethanol, Benzylalcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl Alcohol is a primary aromatic alcohol characterized by a single hydroxymethyl substituent attached to a benzene ring. It is a clear, colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a faint, pleasant aromatic/floral scent and a slightly burning, sweet taste.

Occurring naturally in essential oils (such as jasmine, ylang-ylang, hyacinth) and various fruits, teas, and wines, commercial-grade benzyl alcohol is synthesized via the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride or the reduction/hydrogenation of benzaldehyde. Valued for its high polarity, low volatility, broad solvent power, low toxicity profile, and antimicrobial efficacy, benzyl alcohol is an essential ingredient across personal care, pharmaceuticals, industrial coatings, agrochemicals, and specialty synthesis.

Key Properties of Benzyl Alcohol

Molar Mass: 108.14 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless to slightly yellow, clear liquid
Odor: Mild, pleasant, aromatic odor
Density: ~1.04 g/cm³ at 20°C
Boiling Point: ~205°C
Melting Point: ~−15.3°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, and many organic solvents
Flash Point: ~93°C (closed cup)
pH: Not applicable; pure benzyl alcohol is not an aqueous solution
Chemical Structure: Aromatic alcohol consisting of a benzene ring attached to a hydroxymethyl group
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions

Core Functions & Mechanisms of Action

Broad-Spectrum Preservation & Antimicrobial Action: Inactivates bacterial and fungal cells by disrupting cell membranes and enzyme systems. Highly effective in water-based formulations, particularly under acidic conditions.
High-Performance Solvency & Viscosity Reduction: Dissolves resins, dyes, waxes, cellulose esters/ethers, and hydrophobic organic compounds. Reduces formulation viscosity in personal care and industrial liquid systems for improved pourability and spreadability.  
Coalescing Agent & Film Formation: Enhances film formation, pigment wetting, flow, and leveling in industrial paints, lacquers, and water-borne coatings.
Fragrance Fixation & Olfactory Balancing: Acts as a carrier and fixative in perfumes and flavor profiles, rounding out floral notes while stabilizing volatile aromatic compounds.
Epoxy Curing Acceleration: Serves as a non-reactive diluent and curing accelerator in epoxy resin systems, boosting flexural strength and chemical resistance.
Bacteriostatic & Local Anesthetic Activity: Delivers mild numbing effects in topical or injectable products while inhibiting microbial growth in multi-dose pharmaceutical vials.
Pediculicidal Action (Head Lice Treatment): At 5% concentration, it asphyxiates head lice by coating and blocking their respiratory spiracles, preventing closure.

Industry Applications

Cosmetics & Personal Care  

Preservative & Stabilizer: Widely used at 0.5% - 1.5% concentrations in lotions, creams, facial serums, eye cleansers, body washes, and baby care as a clean-label alternative to parabens.
Hair Care & Styling: Formulated in shampoos, hair dyes, bleaches, conditioners, and sprays (1% - 2%) to optimize viscosity, enhance formula clarity, and ensure long shelf life.
Fragrance & Fine Perfumery: Serves as a solvent and fixative in perfumes, colognes, deodorants, and hygiene products.

Pharmaceuticals & Medical Formulations

Parenteral & Injections: High-purity grades (>99.5%, USP/BP/EP compliant) act as bacteriostatic preservatives in multi-dose injectable medications, bacteriostatic saline, and sterile water for injection.
Topicals & Parasiticide Treatments: Used in over-the-counter anti-itch creams, antifungal ointments, acne treatments, and 5% pediculicide lotions for head lice.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Synthesis: Functions as a vital building block/chemical intermediate in manufacturing penicillins, cardiovascular agents, antivirals, antihistamines, and cough suppressants.

Paints, Coatings, Inks & Construction Chemicals

Epoxy Systems & Flooring: Acts as an accelerator, diluent, and plasticizer in industrial epoxy floorings, polyurethane coatings, polymer-modified concrete, and stone/granite sealants.
Industrial & Architectural Paints: Functions as a coalescing aid, paint stripper component, and pigment dispersant in industrial coatings, wood varnishes, and marine paints.
Inks & Printing Formulations: Used as a low-volatility carrier and viscosity modifier in ballpoint pen inks, lacquers, and industrial printing inks.  

Cleaning Products, Adhesives & Household Items

Hard Surface Cleaners: Formulated into household and industrial degreasers, multi-purpose cleaning wipes, and surface sanitizers to break down grease, wax, and oils.
Adhesives & Sealants: Functions as a low-volatility solvent in structural glues, epoxy adhesives, and elastomeric sealants.  
Air Care & Consumer Goods: Incorporated as an aromatic carrier in air fresheners, car fresheners, and electronic cigarette liquid flavorings.

Food, Beverage & Flavorings  

Flavoring Carrier (E1519): Authorized as a food-grade solvent and flavor carrier in liqueurs, flavored wines, confectionery, and baked goods.

Agrochemicals & Animal Nutrition

Pesticide & Fertilizer Solvent: Dissolves active ingredients in crop protection chemicals, liquid fertilizers, and biological pesticides.
Feed Additive: Functions as an antimicrobial stabilizer and flavoring carrier in animal nutrition supplements.

Textiles, Rubber & Specialized Technology

Textile Dyeing Aid: Serves as a dye carrier and swelling agent to facilitate the dyeing of synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon) and natural wool/leather.
Rubber & Polymer Processing: Acts as a plasticizer and solvent for vulcanization accelerators.
Photographic & Energy Sectors: Used as a development accelerator in color photochemistry (e.g., C-22 developer) and as a dielectric/anti-corrosive solvent in photovoltaic systems.

Benzyl Alcohol stands as a highly versatile aromatic alcohol that seamlessly connects personal care and pharmaceutical formulations with high-performance industrial applications. Its distinct combination of broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, excellent solvency, low volatility, and effective viscosity control makes it a fundamental functional ingredient in cosmetics, multi-dose injectables, epoxy coatings, inks, and agrochemicals. When utilized within established concentration limits and safety protocols, Benzyl Alcohol consistently enhances formulation stability, extends product shelf life, and drives process efficiency across diverse manufacturing sectors.