Benzyl Alcohol is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant aromatic odor. It is found naturally in a variety of plants and is commonly used as a fragrance ingredient, preservative, and solvent.
In fragrances, it adds a mild, sweet aroma and is also used in skincare and cosmetic products for its preservative properties to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. It acts as a solvent, helping other ingredients to mix well.
IUPAC Name: phenylmethanolCAS Number: 100-51-6
Molecular Formula: C7H8O
Molecular Weight: 108.14 g/mol
Boiling Point: 205.3 °C (401 °F)
Melting Point: -15.2 °C (4.5 °F)
Class: Alcohol
Use/s: Preservative, Scent
Synonyms
1: benzyl alcohol 2: phenylmethanol 3: benzenemethanol 4: phenylcarbinol 5: benzylalcohol 6: Benzoyl alcohol 7: Benzenecarbinol 8: alpha-Toluenol 9: Phenylmethyl alcohol
Chemist Says
Benzyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Slightly denser than water. Flash point 194 °F. Boiling point 401 °F. Contact may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. May be slightly toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.
Scent: Faint Aromatic, Fruity
Scent profile
Scent profiles are inherently subjective and can significantly differ among individuals, and may also be influenced by the conditions at the time of evaluation. The information provided here is a synthesis of data from diverse sources, including books, cross-references, artificial intelligence analyses, and chemical research sites, aiming to present a comprehensive overview. We've distilled this information to highlight the most frequently observed scent profiles for each molecule or compound, offering a generalized perspective.
1: mild, sweet
2: Mildly Floral, Slightly Sweet, Balsamic
3: Faint aromatic odor
Irritant