BENZYL BENZOATE

Benzyl Benzoate is a high-boiling aromatic ester used as a fragrance fixative, perfume solvent, carrier solvent, pharmaceutical and veterinary ingredient, plasticizer, dye carrier, specialty solvent, chemical intermediate and formulation aid. Benzyl Benzoate has CAS Number 120-51-4, EC Number 204-402-9, molecular formula C14H12O2 and molecular weight approximately 212.25 g/mol. Benzyl Benzoate is a colorless to pale-yellow oily liquid or low-melting crystalline material with a melting point around 19-21°C, boiling point around 323-324°C, density approximately 1.11-1.12 g/cm³ and flash point around 148°C. The combination of very low vapor pressure, strong organic solvency, high boiling point, fragrance compatibility and limited water solubility makes Benzyl Benzoate especially useful where a persistent nonaqueous carrier or fixative is required. Benzyl Benzoate is also a recognized flavoring agent and carrier solvent under international food-flavor specifications, is used in topical scabies treatment at regulated medicinal concentrations in some markets, and is subject to current hazard and environmental controls because the harmonized EU classification includes Acute Toxicity Category 4 and Aquatic Chronic Category 2.

PRODUCT IDENTITY

Chemical Name: Benzyl Benzoate
CAS Number: 120-51-4
EC Number: 204-402-9
EU CLP Index Number: 607-085-00-9
JECFA Number: 24
FEMA Number: 2138
COE Number: 262
Molecular Formula: C14H12O2
Molecular Weight: Approximately 212.25 g/mol
IUPAC Name: Phenylmethyl benzoate
Alternative Chemical Name: Benzoic acid benzyl ester
Chemical Class: Aromatic ester / benzoate ester
Functional Groups: Benzoate ester and benzyl group
Physical Form: Oily liquid, flakes or low-melting crystals depending on temperature and grade
Appearance: Colorless to pale-yellow clear liquid or crystalline material
Odor: Faint, sweet, balsamic aromatic odor
Melting Point: Approximately 19-21°C
Boiling Point: Approximately 323-324°C at atmospheric pressure
Density: Approximately 1.113-1.121 g/cm³ around 25°C
Specific Gravity: Approximately 1.113-1.121
Flash Point: Approximately 148°C in widely cited ICSC reference data
Autoignition Temperature: Approximately 480°C
Vapor Pressure at 25°C: Extremely low, around 0.00022 mmHg in reference data
Relative Vapor Density: Approximately 7.3 relative to air
Viscosity at 25°C: Approximately 8.3 cP in reference data
Water Solubility: Very low / practically insoluble
Solubility in Organic Media: Miscible with ethanol at room temperature and soluble in many organic solvents and oils
Log Kow: Moderately high, consistent with hydrophobic organic-phase affinity
Primary Functions: Fragrance fixative, perfume solvent, carrier solvent, specialty solvent and chemical intermediate
Additional Functions: Plasticizer, dye carrier, topical pharmaceutical active ingredient, pharmaceutical excipient and formulation aid
JECFA Functional Classes: Flavouring agent and carrier solvent
JECFA Flavor Specification Assay: Not less than 99.0%
Current JECFA Group ADI: 0-20 mg/kg body weight expressed as Benzoic Acid equivalents for the defined benzoate/benzyl group
Current EU Harmonized Classification: Acute Toxicity Category 4, H302, and Aquatic Chronic Category 2, H411
EU Cosmetic Fragrance-Declaration Threshold: 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products
WHO Scabies Treatment Context: Topical Benzyl Benzoate emulsion in the approximate 10-25% range is recognized as one treatment option, subject to local medical guidance and product authorization
Storage Principle: Store tightly closed, cool and dry, protected from strong oxidizers, contamination and unnecessary heat

SYNONYMS

Benzyl Benzoate, Benzoic Acid Benzyl Ester, Benzyl Benzenecarboxylate, Benzyl Phenylformate, Phenylmethyl Benzoate, Phenylmethyl Benzenecarboxylate, Benzenecarboxylic Acid Benzyl Ester, Benzoic Acid Phenylmethyl Ester, Benzyl Benzoate BB, BB, Benzyl Benzoate Fragrance Fixative, Benzyl Benzoate Perfume Solvent, Benzyl Benzoate Carrier Solvent, Benzyl Benzoate Plasticizer, Benzyl Benzoate Pharmaceutical Grade, Benzyl Benzoate Food Grade, Benzyl Benzoate Cosmetic Grade, Benzyl Benzoate Technical Grade, Benzyl Benzoate USP Grade, Benzyl Benzoate BP Grade, Benzyl Benzoate EP Grade, Benzyl Benzoate Scabicide, Benzyl Benzoate Acaricide, Benzyl Benzoate Solvent, Benzyl Benzoate Ester, Benzyl Benzoate Liquid, CAS 120-51-4, EC 204-402-9, C14H12O2, Phenylmethyl Benzoate Ester

WHAT IS BENZYL BENZOATE?

Benzyl Benzoate is the ester formed from Benzoic Acid and Benzyl Alcohol.
The molecule contains two aromatic rings joined through the ester-containing benzyl structure.
This structure produces a high-boiling, low-volatility liquid with strong affinity for oils, fragrances, resins and hydrophobic organic ingredients.
Benzyl Benzoate is only minimally soluble in water but dissolves readily in many organic liquids.
The material is valued in fragrance systems because it can dissolve perfume ingredients and evaporates much more slowly than many volatile fragrance solvents.
Benzyl Benzoate is also chemically useful because ester chemistry, aromatic structure and solvency make it relevant to pharmaceuticals, dyes, polymers, coatings and specialty synthesis.

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Benzyl Benzoate consists of a benzoate carbonyl group attached through oxygen to a benzyl group.
The structure can be written as C6H5COOCH2C6H5.
One aromatic ring belongs to the benzoate portion and the other belongs to the benzyl portion.
The ester linkage provides moderate polarity, while the two aromatic rings provide substantial hydrophobic character.
The molecule is neutral under ordinary formulation conditions.
Hydrolysis can regenerate Benzoic Acid and Benzyl Alcohol under sufficiently strong acidic or alkaline conditions.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Benzyl Benzoate is unusual because its melting point is close to ordinary room temperature.
At warm room temperature it is normally a clear oily liquid.
At cooler temperature the material can crystallize or solidify.
The boiling point is approximately 323-324°C, making Benzyl Benzoate a very high-boiling organic liquid.
Density is approximately 1.11-1.12 g/cm³ at 25°C.
The flash point is approximately 148°C and room-temperature vapor pressure is extremely low.

MELTING POINT

Benzyl Benzoate melts at approximately 19-21°C.
A drum stored in a cool warehouse can therefore become partially or fully solid even though the same material is liquid in a warmer room.
Solidification does not normally indicate chemical degradation.
The material can be returned to a homogeneous liquid state using controlled warming consistent with the product-specific TDS and SDS.
Open flame or uncontrolled hot-spot heating should not be used.
The entire container should be homogenized before sampling or dosing after recrystallization.

BOILING POINT

Benzyl Benzoate has a normal boiling point around 323-324°C.
The high boiling point is one reason the material functions as a low-volatility carrier and fixative.
Ordinary formulation processes do not require temperatures near the boiling point.
Vacuum processing can reduce thermal exposure where distillation or purification is required.
Prolonged strong heating should be avoided because color and odor quality can deteriorate even below the nominal boiling point.

DENSITY

Benzyl Benzoate has a density around 1.113-1.121 g/cm³ at approximately 25°C.
The liquid is therefore denser than water.
Density is useful for tank inventory, volumetric dosing and identity checks.
Temperature should be specified whenever density is used for process calculations.
The current batch COA should control commercial acceptance where a narrow density range is required.

FLASH POINT

The flash point of Benzyl Benzoate is approximately 148°C in widely cited international safety data.
This is much higher than the flash point of conventional fast-evaporating solvents.
Benzyl Benzoate is therefore a combustible high-boiling liquid rather than a highly flammable room-temperature solvent.
Hot processing still requires ignition-source control.
The current product-specific SDS should control the formal flash-point value and fire precautions for the supplied grade.

VAPOR PRESSURE

Benzyl Benzoate has extremely low vapor pressure at room temperature.
Reference data near 25°C are approximately 0.00022 mmHg.
The very low vapor pressure contributes to fragrance fixative performance and slow evaporation.
Airborne vapor exposure under room-temperature bulk storage is therefore much lower than for ordinary solvents.
Mist generation, heated processing or spraying can nevertheless create exposure more rapidly than passive evaporation.

VISCOSITY

Benzyl Benzoate has moderate liquid viscosity when above its melting point.
Reference viscosity is approximately 8.3 cP at 25°C.
Viscosity rises as temperature approaches the melting point.
Cold transfer can therefore become slow before visible crystallization occurs.
Heated transfer should remain within approved process conditions.

WATER SOLUBILITY

Benzyl Benzoate is practically insoluble in water.
The hydrophobic aromatic structure dominates over the polarity of the ester group.
Aqueous formulations therefore require emulsion, surfactant, solubilizer or dispersion technology if significant Benzyl Benzoate is present.
Water dilution of a clear organic concentrate can produce haze or phase separation.
Formulators should test the final dilution and storage temperature rather than relying only on concentrate clarity.

ORGANIC SOLUBILITY

Benzyl Benzoate is readily compatible with many organic solvents, oils and fragrance ingredients.
JECFA specifications describe the material as miscible with ethanol at room temperature.
The strong organic solvency is important in perfume concentrates, flavor carriers, pharmaceutical solutions and specialty formulations.
Solubility still depends on the complete ingredient mixture.
Highly polar aqueous systems and strong electrolyte solutions can require dedicated solubilization technology.

FRAGRANCE FIXATIVE FUNCTION

Fragrance fixative use is one of the most characteristic applications of Benzyl Benzoate.
A fixative helps reduce the evaporation rate of more volatile fragrance components and can modify the way a perfume develops over time.
Benzyl Benzoate has a high boiling point and extremely low vapor pressure, so it remains in the formulation after many lighter components have evaporated.
The liquid can also dissolve hydrophobic perfume ingredients and provide a smooth carrier phase.
Benzyl Benzoate has a mild balsamic odor of its own but is generally much less dominant than many perfume actives.
The optimum level depends on odor profile, solubility, skin-contact category and current fragrance-safety requirements.

PERFUME SOLVENT FUNCTION

Benzyl Benzoate is widely useful as a solvent for fragrance raw materials.
It dissolves many aromatic, oily and high-molecular-weight perfume ingredients.
The slow evaporation rate reduces rapid solvent loss from concentrated fragrance mixtures.
Benzyl Benzoate can also reduce crystallization of some hydrophobic fragrance ingredients by maintaining them in solution.
A perfume concentrate should still be tested at cold temperature because Benzyl Benzoate itself can crystallize near room temperature.
The final fragrance system should be evaluated for clarity, odor, skin safety and labeling.

CARRIER SOLVENT FUNCTION

Benzyl Benzoate can function as a carrier solvent in flavor, fragrance, pharmaceutical and technical formulations.
A carrier solvent provides a liquid phase in which active ingredients can be dissolved or dispersed before use.
The high boiling point helps maintain carrier volume during storage.
Low water solubility makes Benzyl Benzoate especially useful for hydrophobic ingredients.
In aqueous final products, appropriate emulsification or solubilization may be necessary.

APPLICATIONS

Fragrance fixative
Benzyl Benzoate is widely used to reduce evaporation of volatile fragrance components and to provide a persistent carrier phase in perfume compositions.

Perfume solvent
Benzyl Benzoate dissolves many hydrophobic aroma chemicals, essential-oil components and fragrance intermediates.

Fine fragrances
Selected fine-fragrance concentrates use Benzyl Benzoate as a fixative, solvent and mild balsamic odor contributor.

Functional fragrances
Benzyl Benzoate can be used in fragrance concentrates intended for household, personal-care and technical products, subject to the end-use safety category.

Cosmetics
Benzyl Benzoate is used as fragrance ingredient, solvent and formulation component in cosmetics where current regulatory labeling and safety assessment support the concentration.

Leave-on cosmetics
Benzyl Benzoate can be present intentionally or through fragrance mixtures; EU ingredient-list declaration applies above 0.001% in leave-on products.

Rinse-off cosmetics
Benzyl Benzoate can be used in fragranced rinse-off products; EU ingredient-list declaration applies above 0.01%.

Hair-care products
Benzyl Benzoate can serve as fragrance solvent or carrier in compatible shampoos, conditioners and styling products.

Skin-care formulations
Selected creams, lotions and oils can contain Benzyl Benzoate as fragrance-related ingredient or solvent after cosmetic safety assessment.

Perfume oils
Oil-based fragrance products can use Benzyl Benzoate to dissolve perfume materials and slow evaporation.

Essential-oil blends
Benzyl Benzoate can improve solubility and dilution of selected essential-oil components in nonaqueous fragrance systems.

Flavoring systems
Benzyl Benzoate is recognized by JECFA as a flavouring agent and carrier solvent.

Flavor concentrates
Food-grade Benzyl Benzoate can carry hydrophobic flavor ingredients where permitted by the relevant food-flavor regulation.

Food carrier solvent
Benzyl Benzoate can function as a carrier solvent in regulated food-flavor applications when the supplied grade meets the applicable purity specification.

Pharmaceutical solvent
Benzyl Benzoate is used as a solvent or vehicle for hydrophobic pharmaceutical ingredients in selected formulations.

Pharmaceutical excipient
Compendial grades can be used as excipient or vehicle where the drug product specification and route permit it.

Scabies treatment
Benzyl Benzoate is a recognized topical scabicide. WHO treatment guidance lists approximately 10-25% Benzyl Benzoate emulsion as one topical treatment 
option, subject to local medical guidance.

Pediculosis treatment
Benzyl Benzoate has historical and regional medicinal use against lice, although current first-line treatments vary by jurisdiction.

Topical antiparasitic products
Benzyl Benzoate can be used as an active ingredient in regulated topical antiparasitic products where approved.

Veterinary ectoparasite formulations
Benzyl Benzoate has technical relevance in veterinary ectoparasite and topical formulations subject to species-specific regulation and product 
authorization.

Plasticizer
Benzyl Benzoate acts as a high-boiling plasticizing ester in selected polymer, resin and cellulose-based systems.

Cellulose acetate plasticizer
Benzyl Benzoate has historical and technical use as a plasticizer or solvent-like modifier for cellulose acetate and related cellulosic materials.

Cellulose derivatives
Selected cellulose ester and ether systems can use Benzyl Benzoate to modify flexibility, solvency and processing.

Nitrocellulose formulations
Benzyl Benzoate has historical relevance as a high-boiling plasticizer or solvent component in selected nitrocellulose coating systems.

Coatings
Selected coatings can use Benzyl Benzoate as high-boiling solvent, plasticizer or flow-modifying component.

Lacquers
Benzyl Benzoate can contribute solvency and flexibility in compatible lacquer formulations.

Paints
High-boiling Benzyl Benzoate can act as a specialty co-solvent or plasticizer in selected paint systems.

Printing inks
Benzyl Benzoate can provide slow evaporation and dye or resin solvency in selected ink technologies.

Specialty inks
High-boiling solvent behavior can support open time and ingredient dissolution where final drying remains acceptable.

Dye carrier
Benzyl Benzoate can be used as a carrier for hydrophobic dyes and colorants.

Textile dyeing
Selected textile dyeing and carrier systems historically use aromatic ester solvents to improve dye transport into hydrophobic fibers.

Polyester fiber dyeing
Benzyl Benzoate has technical relevance as a dye carrier or swelling aid in selected polyester textile processes.

Leather finishing
Selected leather-finishing formulations can use Benzyl Benzoate as solvent, plasticizer or fragrance carrier.

Adhesives
Benzyl Benzoate can function as high-boiling plasticizer or solvent in compatible adhesive systems.

Sealants
Selected sealants can use Benzyl Benzoate as a plasticizing ester where migration and extraction requirements are acceptable.

Caulks
High-boiling ester plasticizers can adjust flexibility and application behavior in compatible caulk formulations.

PVC formulations
Benzyl Benzoate has limited specialty plasticizer relevance in PVC and related polymer systems, although modern plasticizer selection usually considers 
permanence, cost and regulatory profile.

Rubber formulations
Selected polar rubber compounds can use aromatic ester plasticizers as softeners or processing aids.

Wax and polish formulations
Benzyl Benzoate can dissolve fragrance, resin and hydrophobic additives in specialty waxes and polishes.

Household products
Fragranced household products can contain Benzyl Benzoate as fragrance component or carrier, subject to ingredient and environmental requirements.

Air-care formulations
Low volatility and fragrance solvency make Benzyl Benzoate useful in selected nonaqueous fragrance carriers.

Diffuser oils
Benzyl Benzoate can function as a slow-evaporating fragrance carrier in selected diffuser systems, although evaporation rate and wick performance should be 
validated.

Soap fragrance compounds
Benzyl Benzoate can be present in fragrance mixtures intended for soap and detergent products.

Detergent fragrances
Fragrance concentrates for detergents can use Benzyl Benzoate as carrier and fixative where formula compatibility permits.

Benzyl Alcohol manufacture intermediate relationship
Benzyl Benzoate can be hydrolyzed or transesterified under suitable chemistry to yield Benzyl Alcohol derivatives, although this is not the dominant routine application.

Benzoic Acid derivative synthesis
Benzyl Benzoate is a defined benzoate ester useful as a reference or intermediate in aromatic ester chemistry.

Organic synthesis
The ester can be used in transesterification, hydrolysis and aromatic specialty synthesis.

Analytical standard
High-purity Benzyl Benzoate is used as a reference standard in chromatography, fragrance analysis and environmental testing.

Environmental analysis
Benzyl Benzoate is monitored in water, consumer-product and fragrance studies because of its widespread use and aquatic hazard classification.

COSMETIC USE

Benzyl Benzoate is a recognized fragrance-related ingredient in European cosmetics regulation.
The material can be intentionally added as fragrance ingredient, solvent or fixative and can also enter a formula through a complex fragrance mixture.
Current EU rules require its presence to be indicated in the cosmetic ingredient list when concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products.
For rinse-off products, the declaration threshold is 0.01%.
These are labeling thresholds rather than universal maximum-use concentrations.
Finished-product safety assessment and current fragrance standards should determine the actual acceptable level.

FRAGRANCE ALLERGEN POSITIONING

Benzyl Benzoate is one of the established fragrance substances associated with contact-allergy labeling in cosmetics.
European cosmetic regulation therefore requires individual ingredient declaration above the specified leave-on and rinse-off thresholds.
The current EU harmonized CLP classification does not include Skin Sensitization for Benzyl Benzoate.
A 2026 European scientific opinion noted the absence of harmonized or self-classification as a skin sensitizer while also recognizing the substance as a contact allergen in cosmetic safety assessment.
Cosmetic allergen labeling and CLP hazard classification are therefore separate regulatory concepts and should not be conflated.

FOOD AND FLAVOR USE

Benzyl Benzoate is internationally recognized as a flavoring agent and carrier solvent.
JECFA identifies Benzyl Benzoate as JECFA Number 24 and FEMA Number 2138.
The referenced JECFA flavor specification requires assay not less than 99.0%.
JECFA specifies an oily liquid or leaflets with a faint sweet balsamic odor, boiling point around 323-324°C, melting point around 21°C, refractive index approximately 1.566-1.571 and specific gravity approximately 1.113-1.121.
Food and flavor applications require an appropriate grade and must follow the legal conditions in the target market.
Industrial, cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades should not be substituted automatically for food-grade material.

CURRENT JECFA GROUP ADI

The current JECFA group acceptable daily intake is 0-20 mg/kg body weight.
The 2021 evaluation applies this group ADI to Benzoic Acid, calcium, potassium and sodium benzoates, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, Benzyl Alcohol and Benzyl Benzoate.
The group ADI is expressed as Benzoic Acid equivalents.
The previous group ADI of 0-5 mg/kg body weight was withdrawn.
An ADI is a toxicological intake benchmark rather than a universal flavor-use concentration.
Actual food use must follow applicable flavoring and food-additive regulation.

JECFA FLAVOR SPECIFICATION

JECFA flavor specifications identify Benzyl Benzoate as a defined flavoring substance.
Minimum assay is 99.0%.
Acid value is specified at not more than 1.
Refractive index is approximately 1.566-1.571.
Specific gravity is approximately 1.113-1.121.
The substance must meet the specified identity and chlorinated-compound requirements.
These flavor specifications should not be confused with pharmaceutical or industrial grade specifications.

PHARMACEUTICAL USE

Benzyl Benzoate has long-standing use in pharmaceutical formulations.
It can act as a topical antiparasitic active ingredient and can also function as a solvent or vehicle for lipophilic drug substances.
Pharmaceutical-grade Benzyl Benzoate is controlled through pharmacopeial or product-specific quality requirements.
Industrial fragrance or technical grade should not be substituted directly into a medicinal product.
Route of administration, concentration, patient population and impurity limits must all be considered.

SCABIES TREATMENT

Benzyl Benzoate is recognized as a topical treatment option for scabies.
Current WHO public-health guidance lists Benzyl Benzoate emulsion in the approximate 10-25% range among topical scabicides.
Exact concentration and application schedule vary by national guidance, age and product authorization.
The raw material should not be applied directly to skin as a substitute for a properly formulated medicinal product.
Topical products can cause burning, stinging or irritation, particularly on inflamed or excoriated skin.
Medical treatment should follow local clinical guidance.

PHARMACEUTICAL SOLVENT FUNCTION

Benzyl Benzoate can dissolve hydrophobic drug substances that have poor water solubility.
Its very low volatility and high boiling point make it useful as a persistent oily vehicle.
Benzyl Benzoate is often used in mixed-solvent pharmaceutical systems rather than as the only vehicle.
Viscosity, injection route, tissue compatibility and drug solubility must be validated in the final formulation.
Only appropriate compendial or pharmaceutical grade should be used.

PLASTICIZER FUNCTION

Benzyl Benzoate can function as an external plasticizer in selected polymer and resin systems.
The ester inserts between polymer chains and reduces intermolecular attraction.
This can reduce hardness and increase flexibility.
The aromatic structure also provides useful solvency for polar or aromatic polymers.
Migration and extraction should be evaluated because Benzyl Benzoate is not covalently bonded to the polymer.
Modern plasticizer selection should also consider the current environmental hazard classification.

CELLULOSE DERIVATIVES

Benzyl Benzoate has historical and technical use with cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose and related cellulose derivatives.
The material can act as a high-boiling solvent, softener or plasticizer.
Strong solvency can assist film formation and processing.
High boiling point can extend open time.
Excessive retention can reduce hardness or delay final dry-film development.
Modern formulations should evaluate migration, emissions and regulatory requirements.

DYE CARRIER FUNCTION

Benzyl Benzoate can act as a carrier for hydrophobic dyes.
The aromatic ester can dissolve or mobilize dye molecules that have limited water solubility.
In textile processing, carrier action can assist dye diffusion into hydrophobic fiber structures under selected conditions.
Carrier concentration, temperature, fiber type and rinsing process affect residual material.
Environmental discharge management is important because Benzyl Benzoate is classified as toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

FRAGRANCE STABILITY

Benzyl Benzoate has strong chemical and physical stability under ordinary fragrance-storage conditions.
The low vapor pressure minimizes evaporative loss.
Extreme heat, strong acid or strong base can promote ester cleavage or side reactions.
Color and odor should remain stable in clean compatible packaging.
Oxidizing contamination should be avoided because aromatic fragrance systems can develop off-odor or discoloration under severe oxidative conditions.

COLD TEMPERATURE BEHAVIOR

Because the melting point is close to 20°C, Benzyl Benzoate can crystallize during cool storage or transport.
Crystallization can be mistaken for contamination or degradation.
The solid can normally be remelted through gentle uniform warming under approved conditions.
Sampling a partly crystallized container can give unrepresentative results if impurities or other ingredients partition between phases.
The entire package should therefore be homogenized before use.

FORMULATION WITH WATER

Benzyl Benzoate is poorly soluble in water and therefore requires emulsion or solubilization technology in aqueous products.
Nonionic surfactants, emulsifiers and compatible co-solvents can help disperse Benzyl Benzoate.
The formulation should be tested for droplet size, creaming, sedimentation and temperature stability.
High electrolyte levels can destabilize some emulsifier systems.
Pharmaceutical scabies emulsions require controlled active concentration and medicinal-product manufacturing rather than simple dilution with water.

EMULSION FORMULATION

Oil-in-water emulsions can incorporate Benzyl Benzoate when an appropriate emulsifier system is selected.
The high density of Benzyl Benzoate influences droplet creaming or settling behavior.
Viscosity modifiers can improve physical stability.
The emulsifier must remain compatible with fragrance, preservative and active ingredients.
Freeze-thaw and warm-storage testing should be included because Benzyl Benzoate can crystallize near room temperature.

PRODUCTION

Benzyl Benzoate can be produced through esterification of Benzoic Acid with Benzyl Alcohol.
Water removal drives equilibrium toward ester formation.
Catalyst choice, temperature and vacuum can influence conversion and color.
Another industrial route can involve reaction of a benzoate salt with a benzyl halide under suitable conditions.
High-purity product requires control of residual Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, benzaldehyde, chlorinated residues and high-boiling impurities as appropriate to the process route.
The commercial grade should therefore be specified by analytical quality rather than production-route name alone.

ESTERIFICATION

Direct esterification combines Benzoic Acid and Benzyl Alcohol to form Benzyl Benzoate plus water.
Water removal shifts the equilibrium toward product.
Acid catalyst or other esterification technology can be used depending on process design.
Excess Benzyl Alcohol can improve conversion but must be recovered or removed from the final product.
Residual acidity, color and odor are important quality parameters after purification.

HYDROLYSIS

Benzyl Benzoate can hydrolyze under sufficiently strong acidic or alkaline conditions.
Hydrolysis produces Benzoic Acid and Benzyl Alcohol.
Neutral water at room temperature causes much slower hydrolysis than strong acid or alkali.
Strong caustic conditions can saponify the ester.
Formulators should therefore avoid incompatible pH conditions when long-term ester stability is required.

QUALITY CONTROL

Important Benzyl Benzoate quality-control parameters include identity, assay, appearance, color, acid value, density, refractive index, melting point, water, Benzyl Alcohol content, Benzoic Acid content and route-specific impurities.
Fragrance and food grades require particularly low color and controlled odor.
Pharmaceutical grades can require compendial identity, purity and acidity controls.
Technical plasticizer grades can use different impurity tolerances.
The current Ataman Chemicals specification and batch COA should control commercial acceptance.

ASSAY

Assay determines the Benzyl Benzoate content of the commercial grade.
JECFA flavor specification requires not less than 99.0%.
Gas chromatography is commonly suitable for separating Benzyl Benzoate from Benzyl Alcohol, benzaldehyde and other volatile or semivolatile impurities.
Assay should be interpreted together with acid value and color.
The required minimum depends on the intended grade.

ACID VALUE

Acid value indicates free acidic material in Benzyl Benzoate.
Benzoic Acid is the most relevant expected acidic impurity.
JECFA flavor specification limits acid value to not more than 1.
Elevated acid value can indicate incomplete esterification, hydrolysis or inadequate purification.
Low acidity is important in fragrance, pharmaceutical and sensitive polymer applications.

REFRACTIVE INDEX

JECFA flavor specification gives a refractive-index range of approximately 1.566-1.571.
Refractive index provides a rapid identity and purity check.
Temperature should be controlled during measurement.
Water, Benzyl Alcohol and other solvent impurities can shift the value.
Unexpected deviation should trigger further analytical review.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY

JECFA flavor specification gives specific gravity approximately 1.113-1.121.
Reference density is around 1.112 g/cm³ at 25°C.
Specific gravity supports identity and volumetric process calculations.
The test temperature should be recorded because density changes with temperature.
Partially crystallized samples should be fully homogenized before measurement.

BENZYL ALCOHOL IMPURITY

Residual Benzyl Alcohol can remain from direct esterification.
Excess Benzyl Alcohol lowers density and can alter odor, flash point and solvent behavior.
High-purity grades therefore control residual Benzyl Alcohol through distillation or chromatographic specification.
The acceptable limit depends on fragrance, pharmaceutical, food or technical grade requirements.

BENZOIC ACID IMPURITY

Residual Benzoic Acid can remain from incomplete esterification or hydrolysis.
Benzoic Acid raises acid value and can crystallize more readily than Benzyl Benzoate.
Excess acidity can affect fragrance odor and pharmaceutical purity.
Acid value and chromatographic analysis can be used together for control.

WATER CONTENT

Water content should be controlled according to the intended grade.
Benzyl Benzoate itself is poorly water soluble, so excessive water can cause haze, droplets or phase separation.
Water can also indicate poor drying or storage contamination.
Karl Fischer analysis can be used where a low-moisture specification is required.
The actual limit should follow the product-specific TDS and COA.

COLOR

High-quality Benzyl Benzoate is colorless to pale yellow.
Low color is especially important in perfumes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and clear formulations.
Darkening can indicate heat history, oxidation, metal contamination or high-boiling impurities.
Color should be compared against the agreed APHA, Hazen or other commercial specification.

CURRENT EU HARMONIZED CLASSIFICATION

Current EU harmonized classification identifies Benzyl Benzoate as Acute Toxicity Category 4 and Aquatic Chronic Category 2.
The corresponding hazard statements are H302 and H411.
H302 means harmful if swallowed.
H411 means toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
These harmonized hazards are separate from cosmetic fragrance-allergen labeling requirements.
The current regional SDS for the supplied grade should control final label elements and mixture classification.

ACUTE TOXICITY

Benzyl Benzoate is harmful if swallowed under the current EU harmonized classification.
Occupational hygiene should prevent hand-to-mouth transfer and accidental ingestion.
Workers should not eat, drink or smoke in chemical handling areas.
Inhalation risk from passive evaporation is relatively low because vapor pressure is extremely low, but aerosol or mist can increase exposure.
The current SDS should control PPE and first-aid measures.

AQUATIC HAZARD

Benzyl Benzoate is classified as Aquatic Chronic Category 2, H411.
The material should therefore not be discharged directly to drains, soil, rivers or other surface water.
The very low water solubility does not eliminate aquatic risk.
Hydrophobic droplets, emulsions and formulation waste can still transport Benzyl Benzoate into wastewater systems.
Environmental release control is particularly important in textile, fragrance, detergent and industrial-formulation operations.

COSMETIC CONTACT ALLERGY

Benzyl Benzoate is recognized as a fragrance contact allergen in European cosmetic safety assessment.
This is why individual ingredient labeling is required above the specified leave-on and rinse-off thresholds.
The current harmonized CLP entry does not classify Benzyl Benzoate as a skin sensitizer.
A consumer cosmetic allergen-labeling rule can therefore apply even when the raw chemical does not carry harmonized H317 classification.
Finished cosmetic safety assessment should consider total Benzyl Benzoate from both intentional addition and fragrance composition.

FIRST AID

After eye contact, rinse cautiously with clean water for several minutes and obtain medical advice if irritation persists or as directed by the current SDS.
After skin contact, wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing.
After inhalation of mist or heated vapor, move the affected person to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
After accidental ingestion, rinse the mouth and obtain medical advice because Benzyl Benzoate is harmful if swallowed.
Medicinal topical use should not be confused with accidental occupational exposure to concentrated raw material.

SPILL MANAGEMENT

Stop the source of a Benzyl Benzoate spill when this can be done safely.
Prevent the liquid from entering drains, soil or surface water.
Use inert absorbent for small spills and suitable mechanical recovery for larger releases.
Because the liquid is denser than water and poorly soluble, water-based cleanup alone may spread contamination without removing the organic phase.
Recovered material and contaminated absorbent should be placed in labeled waste containers.
Current SDS and local environmental requirements should control disposal.

FIRE RESPONSE

Benzyl Benzoate is a combustible high-boiling liquid.
The flash point is around 148°C.
Suitable extinguishing media include water spray, dry powder, foam or carbon dioxide according to international safety references and the current SDS.
Combustion can produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and irritating smoke.
Firefighters may require self-contained breathing apparatus in significant chemical fires.
Containers exposed to heat should be cooled when this can be done safely.

STORAGE

Benzyl Benzoate should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place.
Because the melting point is near room temperature, crystallization during cool storage is normal and should be anticipated operationally.
Strong oxidizing agents should be segregated.
Food, pharmaceutical and fragrance grades should be protected from odor contamination and dirty handling equipment.
Partially crystallized containers should be warmed gently and homogenized before sampling or use.
The original package label and current Ataman Chemicals SDS should control approved storage conditions.

TRANSPORT

Transport classification can vary with jurisdiction and current dangerous-goods criteria.
The exact Ataman Chemicals SDS should be used for ADR, RID, IMDG, IATA and local shipment classification.
Do not assign a transport UN number solely from the CAS Number without checking the supplied-grade SDS.
Environmental hazard status can affect marine and multimodal transport requirements even when the material has a high flash point.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Benzyl Benzoate has very low water solubility but is classified as toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
The material has sufficient hydrophobicity to associate with organic phases, sludge, sediment or biological material.
Wastewater systems should not be assumed to remove all Benzyl Benzoate automatically.
Source control, spill prevention and appropriate waste collection are therefore important.
Fragrance and textile operations can generate low-concentration aqueous streams through emulsification or washing even though the pure substance is water insoluble.

REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Benzyl Benzoate is used across fragrance, cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical, veterinary and industrial regulatory frameworks.
Each use has different purity, labeling and product-authorization requirements.
Current EU harmonized classification includes H302 and H411.
EU cosmetic regulation requires individual ingredient declaration above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
JECFA recognizes Benzyl Benzoate as flavoring agent and carrier solvent and the current group ADI is 0-20 mg/kg body weight expressed as Benzoic Acid equivalents.
Medicinal scabies use requires an authorized topical formulation rather than direct use of raw industrial Benzyl Benzoate.
Ataman Chemicals can provide grade-specific documentation, while the finished-product manufacturer remains responsible for end-use compliance.

COMMON FORMULATION PROBLEMS

Benzyl Benzoate solidifies in the drum
The melting point is approximately 19-21°C. Controlled warming and full homogenization normally restore the product without indicating degradation.

Benzyl Benzoate forms crystals in a perfume concentrate
The formulation has moved below the solubility or melting condition of Benzyl Benzoate or another fragrance ingredient. Test cold stability and adjust the solvent balance.

Perfume becomes cloudy after cooling
Benzyl Benzoate or another high-boiling fragrance component can crystallize. Warm gently and re-evaluate the cold-storage specification.

Fragrance evaporates too quickly
The fixative level may be too low or the fragrance contains too many high-vapor-pressure components. Benzyl Benzoate can be increased only within safety and odor constraints.

Fragrance dries too slowly
Excess Benzyl Benzoate can create too much low-volatility residue. Rebalance the carrier system.

Perfume odor becomes heavy
Benzyl Benzoate has its own mild balsamic odor and changes evaporation dynamics. Reduce the level or rebalance top, middle and base notes.

Cosmetic label omits Benzyl Benzoate
EU declaration is required above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.

Cosmetic formula is below the declaration threshold but fragrance contains Benzyl Benzoate
Calculate total Benzyl Benzoate from all intentional sources and fragrance composition before determining label status.

Customer asks whether Benzyl Benzoate is H317
Current harmonized CLP classification does not include skin sensitization, but European cosmetic safety assessment recognizes Benzyl Benzoate as a contact 
allergen and labeling thresholds still apply.

Aqueous lotion separates
Benzyl Benzoate is poorly water soluble. Improve emulsifier selection, droplet-size control and viscosity.

Scabies emulsion separates during storage
The oil phase, emulsifier level or temperature stability is inadequate. Medicinal formulations require validated emulsion stability and active-content uniformity.

Raw Benzyl Benzoate is applied directly to skin
Do not substitute concentrated raw material for an authorized medicinal formulation. Topical scabies products use controlled concentrations and 
instructions.

Pharmaceutical solution becomes cloudy
Drug loading, Benzyl Benzoate level, co-solvent composition or temperature can cause precipitation. Re-evaluate solvent capacity.

Food-grade application uses technical grade
Use material supported by the required food or flavor specification and documentation.

Flavor-grade assay is below 99%
The batch does not meet the referenced JECFA flavor specification and should not be released against that standard.

Acid value exceeds 1
Residual Benzoic Acid, hydrolysis or inadequate purification may be present. Investigate before release against the JECFA flavor specification.

Refractive index is outside 1.566-1.571
Check temperature, identity, residual Benzyl Alcohol and other organic impurities.

Specific gravity is outside 1.113-1.121
Confirm temperature and sample homogeneity, then investigate solvent contamination or product mix-up.

Residual Benzyl Alcohol is too high
Improve esterification conversion or final distillation and purification.

Benzoic Acid content is high
Incomplete esterification or hydrolysis may be responsible. Review reaction conversion and storage conditions.

Color becomes yellow
Heat, oxidation, metal contamination or high-boiling impurities can increase color. Review processing and storage.

Odor changes during storage
Oxidation or contamination can change the mild balsamic profile. Check benzaldehyde, residual Benzyl Alcohol and other volatiles.

Coating remains soft
Benzyl Benzoate level can be too high for the binder system. Reduce plasticizer level or use a more permanent plasticizer.

Plasticized film shows migration
Benzyl Benzoate is an external plasticizer and can migrate. Reduce loading or select a higher-molecular-weight or polymeric plasticizer.

Sealant stains porous substrate
Plasticizer migration can enter porous stone or mineral surfaces. Use a low-migration formulation and perform stain testing.

Ink dries too slowly
The high boiling point and low vapor pressure can delay drying. Reduce Benzyl Benzoate or increase faster compatible solvent.

Dye carrier remains in textile
Rinsing and finishing may be inadequate. Optimize carrier level and removal process.

Textile wastewater contains Benzyl Benzoate
Reduce overfeed, improve recovery and treat wastewater appropriately because Benzyl Benzoate is Aquatic Chronic 2.

Customer assumes water insolubility means no aquatic hazard
Low solubility does not remove environmental toxicity. Benzyl Benzoate is harmonized as H411.

Product is partly solid when sampled
The sample may be unrepresentative. Melt and homogenize the full container before sampling.

Pump cannot move cold material
Viscosity rises sharply near the melting point. Condition the container and transfer line within approved temperature limits.

Warm storage causes odor or color change
Excessive heat can accelerate degradation. Use only enough controlled warming to maintain handling.

Customer requests fragrance grade for pharmaceutical use
Fragrance grade and pharmaceutical grade are not interchangeable. Verify the required compendial specification.

Customer requests pharmaceutical grade for food flavoring
Pharmaceutical purity does not automatically establish food-flavor compliance. Use the appropriate food-grade documentation.

Customer asks whether Benzyl Benzoate is fully miscible with water
No. Benzyl Benzoate is practically insoluble in water and normally requires emulsification or solubilization.

Customer asks whether Benzyl Benzoate is volatile
It has extremely low vapor pressure and a high boiling point, which is why it functions well as a fragrance fixative.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Benzyl Benzoate?
Benzyl Benzoate is the aromatic ester of Benzoic Acid and Benzyl Alcohol used as fragrance fixative, solvent, carrier, plasticizer and pharmaceutical ingredient.

What is the CAS Number?
120-51-4.

What is the EC Number?
204-402-9.

What is the molecular formula?
C14H12O2.

What is the molecular weight?
Approximately 212.25 g/mol.

What is the IUPAC name?
Phenylmethyl benzoate.

What is the physical form?
A colorless to pale-yellow oily liquid or low-melting crystalline material depending on temperature.

What is the melting point?
Approximately 19-21°C.

Why does Benzyl Benzoate sometimes solidify?
Its melting point is close to room temperature, so cool storage can cause normal crystallization.

What is the boiling point?
Approximately 323-324°C.

What is the density?
Approximately 1.113-1.121 g/cm³ around 25°C.

What is the flash point?
Approximately 148°C in widely cited international safety data.

Is Benzyl Benzoate soluble in water?
It is practically insoluble in water.

Is Benzyl Benzoate soluble in ethanol?
Yes. JECFA flavor specifications describe it as miscible with ethanol at room temperature.

Why is Benzyl Benzoate used in perfume?
It has strong fragrance solvency, very low vapor pressure and high boiling point, so it functions well as a fixative and carrier.

Can Benzyl Benzoate be used in cosmetics?
Yes, subject to cosmetic safety assessment and current fragrance-allergen labeling rules.

What are the EU cosmetic labeling thresholds?
0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.

Is Benzyl Benzoate a skin sensitizer under harmonized CLP?
The current harmonized CLP entry does not include Skin Sensitization, although cosmetic safety assessment recognizes Benzyl Benzoate as a contact allergen.

What is the current EU harmonized hazard classification?
Acute Toxicity Category 4, H302, and Aquatic Chronic Category 2, H411.

Is Benzyl Benzoate harmful if swallowed?
Yes. The current harmonized classification includes H302.

Is Benzyl Benzoate hazardous to aquatic life?
Yes. It is classified H411, toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Is Benzyl Benzoate used in food flavoring?
Yes. JECFA lists it as a flavouring agent and carrier solvent under JECFA Number 24.

What is the JECFA flavor assay requirement?
Not less than 99.0%.

What is the current JECFA group ADI?
0-20 mg/kg body weight, expressed as Benzoic Acid equivalents for the defined group.

Is Benzyl Benzoate used for scabies?
Yes. WHO treatment guidance includes approximately 10-25% Benzyl Benzoate emulsion as one topical scabies-treatment option.

Can raw Benzyl Benzoate be applied directly for scabies?
No. Medical treatment should use an authorized or properly formulated medicinal product at the recommended concentration.

Can Benzyl Benzoate be used as a plasticizer?
Yes. It is a high-boiling external plasticizer and solvent-like modifier for selected cellulose, resin and polymer systems.

Can Benzyl Benzoate be used in inks and coatings?
Yes. It can provide high-boiling solvency and plasticization where compatible.

Can Benzyl Benzoate be used as a dye carrier?
Yes. It has technical relevance as a carrier for hydrophobic dyes in selected textile processes.

How should Benzyl Benzoate be stored?
Store it tightly closed, cool and dry, protected from strong oxidizers and contamination; anticipate crystallization near room temperature.

What documents should be checked before use?
Use the current Ataman Chemicals TDS, SDS and COA together with the applicable fragrance, cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical or industrial specification.

FINAL TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Benzyl Benzoate is a defined aromatic ester with CAS Number 120-51-4, EC Number 204-402-9, molecular formula C14H12O2 and molecular weight approximately 212.25 g/mol.
The substance is the benzyl ester of Benzoic Acid and is also known as phenylmethyl benzoate.

Benzyl Benzoate has a melting point around 19-21°C, boiling point around 323-324°C, density around 1.11-1.12 g/cm³ and flash point around 148°C.
Very low vapor pressure and strong organic solvency make Benzyl Benzoate especially valuable as a fragrance fixative, perfume solvent and persistent carrier.
Benzyl Benzoate is practically insoluble in water but compatible with many organic solvents, oils and fragrance ingredients.
Important applications include perfumery, cosmetics, flavor carriers, pharmaceuticals, scabies treatment, plasticization, coatings, inks, adhesives, textile dye carriers and specialty chemical synthesis.
Current EU cosmetic regulation requires Benzyl Benzoate to be declared in the ingredient list above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.

The current harmonized CLP classification is Acute Tox. 4 H302 and Aquatic Chronic 2 H411.
The current harmonized CLP entry does not include Skin Sensitization, but cosmetic safety assessment recognizes Benzyl Benzoate as a contact allergen.
JECFA identifies Benzyl Benzoate as a flavouring agent and carrier solvent under JECFA Number 24 and specifies minimum flavor-grade assay of 99.0%.
The current 2021 JECFA group ADI is 0-20 mg/kg body weight expressed as Benzoic Acid equivalents and includes Benzyl Benzoate.
WHO scabies guidance recognizes approximately 10-25% Benzyl Benzoate emulsion as one topical treatment option, but medicinal use requires a properly formulated and authorized product.

Because Benzyl Benzoate melts near room temperature, crystallization in cool storage is normal and the full container should be homogenized before sampling or dosing.
Quality control should include assay, acid value, appearance, color, density, refractive index, water and relevant route-specific organic impurities according to the intended grade.
Fragrance, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and technical grades should not be assumed interchangeable solely because they share CAS Number 120-51-4.
Environmental release should be minimized because Benzyl Benzoate is toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

For Benzyl Benzoate technical specifications, fragrance or cosmetic-grade documentation, food or pharmaceutical requirements, TDS, SDS, COA and commercial supply, contact Ataman Chemicals with the intended application, grade requirement and packaging need.

Ataman Chemicals
Phone: +90 216 577 10 10
Email: info@atamankimya.com