Phenylmethanol is an aromatic alcohol used as a solvent, preservative, fragrance ingredient, pharmaceutical excipient, chemical intermediate, and formulation aid, and Phenylmethanol is valued for its mild aromatic odor, good solvency, and compatibility with many cosmetic, pharmaceutical, coating, ink, and industrial systems.
Phenylmethanol is commonly known as Benzyl Alcohol and is used in personal care products, topical pharmaceuticals, injectable formulations, fragrances, flavor systems, resins, coatings, inks, and specialty chemical synthesis.
Phenylmethanol is typically supplied as a clear colorless liquid with a faint pleasant aromatic odor, and Phenylmethanol performance depends on purity, water content, acidity, benzaldehyde level, odor profile, dosage, and compatibility with the final formulation.
CAS Number: 100-51-6
EC Number: 202-859-9
Molecular Formula: C7H8O
Molecular Weight: 108.14 g/mol
Synonyms: Phenylmethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenylcarbinol, Benzenemethanol, Alpha-Hydroxytoluene, α-Hydroxytoluene, Hydroxymethylbenzene, Phenylmethyl Alcohol, Benzene Carbinol, Benzyl Alcohol Solvent, Benzyl Alcohol Preservative, Aromatic Alcohol, Phenylmethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzenemethanol, Phenylcarbinol, alpha-Hydroxytoluene, α-Hydroxytoluene, Benzenyl Methanol, Phenyl Methyl Alcohol, Hydroxymethylbenzene, Benzene Carbinol, Benzylol, Phenylmethan-1-ol, Phenylmethanol Alcohol, Aromatic Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol Solvent, Benzyl Alcohol Reagent, Benzyl Alcohol Technical Grade, Benzyl Alcohol Industrial Grade, Benzyl Alcohol Chemical Grade, Benzyl Alcohol Pharmaceutical Grade, Benzyl Alcohol Cosmetic Grade, Benzyl Alcohol Food Grade, Benzyl Alcohol High Purity, High Purity Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol Pure, Pure Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol Liquid, Benzyl Alcohol Preservative, Benzyl Alcohol Fragrance Ingredient, Benzyl Alcohol Flavoring Agent, Benzyl Alcohol Solubilizer, Benzyl Alcohol Intermediate, Benzyl Alcohol Synthesis Grade, Benzyl Alcohol for Synthesis, Benzyl Alcohol Resin Solvent, Benzyl Alcohol Coating Solvent, Benzyl Alcohol Paint Solvent, Benzyl Alcohol Ink Solvent, Benzyl Alcohol Epoxy Diluent, Benzyl Alcohol Cleaning Solvent, Benzyl Alcohol Degreasing Solvent, Benzyl Alcohol CAS 100-51-6
APPLICATIONS
Phenylmethanol is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a solvent, fragrance component, preservative-support ingredient, and viscosity-modifying aid.
Phenylmethanol is incorporated into creams, lotions, cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and skincare products where mild solvency and aromatic profile are useful.
Phenylmethanol is used in fragrance formulations to dissolve aromatic materials and provide a mild balsamic note.
Phenylmethanol is used in pharmaceutical formulations as a solvent, preservative, and excipient in selected dosage forms.
Phenylmethanol is incorporated into topical preparations to dissolve active ingredients and support formulation stability.
Phenylmethanol is used in injectable and parenteral products only under strict pharmaceutical specifications and regulatory limits.
Phenylmethanol is used in coatings and inks as a solvent and coalescing aid.
Phenylmethanol is incorporated into solventborne coatings, printing inks, and specialty resin systems to improve solvency and flow.
Phenylmethanol is used in coating formulations where moderate evaporation rate and aromatic alcohol solvency are useful.
Phenylmethanol is used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of benzyl esters, benzyl ethers, benzyl halides, plasticizers, surfactants, and specialty chemicals.
Phenylmethanol is incorporated into esterification and substitution reactions where benzyl functionality is required.
Phenylmethanol is used in fragrance and flavor chemical production as a starting material or diluent.
Phenylmethanol is used in industrial cleaning and specialty formulations as a solvent for oils, resins, dyes, and active ingredients.
Phenylmethanol is incorporated into adhesive, sealant, textile, leather, and polymer formulations where aromatic alcohol solvency supports processing.
Phenylmethanol is valued because Phenylmethanol provides versatile solvency, mild aromatic odor, preservative support, and intermediate functionality across cosmetic, pharmaceutical, fragrance, coating, ink, and industrial applications.
Phenylmethanol is used as a solvent in pharmaceutical formulations.
Phenylmethanol helps dissolve active ingredients and excipients in compatible systems.
Phenylmethanol is used as a preservative in injectable pharmaceutical products where permitted.
Phenylmethanol supports antimicrobial protection in selected aqueous formulations.
Phenylmethanol is used in cosmetic formulations.
Phenylmethanol acts as a fragrance ingredient and preservative component in personal care products.
Phenylmethanol is used in skin-care creams and lotions.
Phenylmethanol helps improve product preservation and sensory character.
Phenylmethanol is used in hair-care formulations.
Phenylmethanol supports fragrance, preservation, and solvent functions in compatible products.
Phenylmethanol is used in perfumes and fragrance compositions.
Phenylmethanol contributes a mild aromatic and floral odor profile.
Phenylmethanol is used in flavor formulations where approved grades are selected.
Phenylmethanol can contribute aromatic notes in food flavor systems.
Phenylmethanol is used in essential oil and aroma chemical blending.
Phenylmethanol helps dissolve and stabilize fragrance ingredients.
Phenylmethanol is used in soap and detergent fragrances.
Phenylmethanol supports fragrance solubility and scent development in compatible systems.
Phenylmethanol is used in household cleaning products.
Phenylmethanol helps provide solvent action and fragrance contribution.
Phenylmethanol is used in industrial solvent systems.
Phenylmethanol dissolves resins, oils, waxes, and many organic materials.
Phenylmethanol is used in paint and coating formulations.
Phenylmethanol supports solvent balance and film formation in selected systems.
Phenylmethanol is used in ink formulations.
Phenylmethanol helps dissolve dyes, resins, and additives in compatible ink vehicles.
Phenylmethanol is used in adhesive formulations.
Phenylmethanol supports solvency and application properties in selected adhesive systems.
Phenylmethanol is used in epoxy resin systems.
Phenylmethanol can function as a reactive diluent or modifier in compatible formulations.
Phenylmethanol is used in chemical synthesis.
Phenylmethanol serves as an intermediate for benzyl esters and benzyl ethers.
Phenylmethanol is used in the production of benzyl chloride derivatives.
Phenylmethanol supports synthesis of specialty benzyl compounds.
Phenylmethanol is used in esterification reactions.
Phenylmethanol helps produce benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, and other benzyl esters.
Phenylmethanol is used in organic synthesis laboratories.
Phenylmethanol serves as a common benzyl alcohol building block.
Phenylmethanol is used in protecting-group chemistry.
Phenylmethanol can provide benzyl functionality in selected synthetic routes.
Phenylmethanol is used in polymer and resin manufacturing.
Phenylmethanol supports production of specialty resins and plasticizer intermediates.
Phenylmethanol is used in textile processing formulations.
Phenylmethanol helps dissolve dyes and auxiliaries in compatible systems.
Phenylmethanol is used in photographic chemical formulations.
Phenylmethanol can function as a solvent or additive in selected processing systems.
Phenylmethanol is used in veterinary formulations where permitted.
Phenylmethanol supports preservative or solvent functions in compatible veterinary products.
Phenylmethanol is used in disinfectant and antiseptic formulations where regulations allow.
Phenylmethanol can contribute antimicrobial support in selected formulations.
Phenylmethanol is used in specialty cleaning formulations.
Phenylmethanol helps dissolve oily residues, fragrances, and organic soils.
Phenylmethanol is used in laboratory reagent preparations.
Phenylmethanol serves as a solvent, reagent, and reference material in chemical work.
Phenylmethanol is used in applications requiring aromatic alcohol functionality.
Phenylmethanol supports pharmaceutical, cosmetic, fragrance, flavor, coating, adhesive, and chemical synthesis applications.
DESCRIPTION
Phenylmethanol is an aromatic primary alcohol consisting of a benzene ring attached to a hydroxymethyl group, and Phenylmethanol is widely known by the common name Benzyl Alcohol.
Phenylmethanol combines aromatic solvency with alcohol functionality, making Phenylmethanol useful as both a formulation solvent and chemical intermediate.
Phenylmethanol can undergo esterification, etherification, oxidation, and substitution reactions, which explains its use in fragrance chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, and specialty synthesis.
Phenylmethanol is an aromatic alcohol.
Phenylmethanol is commonly known as benzyl alcohol.
Phenylmethanol has the molecular formula C7H8O.
Phenylmethanol contains a benzyl group attached to a hydroxyl group.
Phenylmethanol is typically supplied as a clear, colorless liquid.
Phenylmethanol has a mild, pleasant, aromatic odor.
Phenylmethanol is slightly soluble in water.
Phenylmethanol is miscible with many organic solvents.
Phenylmethanol has moderate water solubility and good compatibility with many organic solvents, oils, resins, and fragrance materials.
Phenylmethanol can oxidize slowly to benzaldehyde and benzoic acid under unsuitable storage conditions, so protection from excessive heat, air, and oxidizers helps maintain odor and purity.
Phenylmethanol can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract at high exposure levels, so bulk handling should include ventilation and appropriate PPE.
Phenylmethanol should be used at controlled levels because permitted concentrations and claims vary by cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food, fragrance, and industrial regulation.
Phenylmethanol should be stored in tightly closed containers to prevent contamination, evaporation, odor change, and oxidation.
Phenylmethanol should be used according to supplier recommendations, workplace safety standards, and applicable regulatory requirements for the target market.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C7H8O
Molecular Weight: 108.14 g/mol
Common Name: Phenylmethanol
Chemical Type: Aromatic alcohol; solvent; preservative-support ingredient; chemical intermediate
Appearance: Clear colorless liquid
Odor: Mild pleasant aromatic odor
Taste: Slightly burning, aromatic, grade dependent
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water; miscible with alcohols and many organic solvents
Boiling Point: Approximately 205°C
Melting Point: Approximately -15°C
Flash Point: Approximately 93–101°C, method dependent
Density: Approximately 1.04–1.05 g/cm³ at 20°C
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acid chlorides, anhydrides, and reactive halogenating agents
Stability: Stable under recommended storage; protect from strong oxidizers, excessive heat, and prolonged air exposure
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed, dry, well-ventilated
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging, supplier dependent
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if vapors, mist, or aerosols are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if coughing, dizziness, headache, respiratory irritation, or breathing discomfort occurs.
Avoid further exposure until ventilation and vapor control are confirmed.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Seek medical advice if irritation, redness, dryness, or prolonged discomfort develops.
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation, pain, or blurred vision persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention or contact a poison center if discomfort occurs or if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Monitor for irritation, central nervous system effects, gastrointestinal discomfort, or aspiration risk after significant exposure.
Provide supportive care as needed.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing for bulk handling.
Avoid breathing vapors, mist, or aerosols and avoid prolonged skin or eye contact.
Use clean, dry equipment to prevent contamination and maintain consistent odor and purity.
Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust ventilation where vapors, mist, or heated fumes may be generated.
Provide adequate ventilation during heating, spraying, filling, and large-scale transfer operations.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Protect from excessive heat, direct sunlight, air oxidation, moisture contamination, and strong odors.
Keep away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, acid chlorides, anhydrides, and incompatible reactive chemicals.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Eliminate ignition sources and ventilate the area.
Contain spill with inert absorbent and collect into suitable chemical waste containers.
Prevent entry into drains and dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Control oxidation because Phenylmethanol can develop benzaldehyde-like odor and quality changes under poor storage conditions.
Select the correct grade because cosmetic, pharmaceutical, fragrance, food, and industrial uses require different purity and regulatory specifications.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent color, odor, acidity, water content, and solvency performance.