}
Chemical name	}
Other names	phenylmethanol, phenylcarbinol
Chemical formula	}
Molecular mass	} g/mol
CAS number	*
Density	} g/cm3
Melting point	} °C
Boiling point	} °C
SMILES	}
Chemical infobox

Benzyl alcohol, also known as phenylmethanol, or phenylcarbinol, is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild pleasant aromatic odor. It melts at -15 °C and boils at 205 °C. Benzyl alcohol has a good solvency, low toxicity and low vapor pressure. It is partially soluble in water (4g/100ml) and readily soluble in alcohol and ether. Benzyl alcohol is prepared by the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride in the presence of soda ash. It can also be prepared via a Grignard reaction by reacting phenylmagnesium bromide (C₆H₅MgBr) with formaldehyde, then treating with a dilute acid. The alcohol reacts with acids (acetic, benzoic, and sebacic acids) to form esters and other compounds.

Applications

---

Benzyl alcohol^* is used as a general solvent for inks, paints, lacquers and epoxy resin coatings. It is also used as a raw material of various esters, used in the soap, perfume, and flavor industries. It is also used as a photographic developer and in perfumes, flavor industries, pharmaceuticals as a bacteriostatic and antipruritic.

External links

---

Alcohols | Solvents | Essential oils

Benzylalkohol | ベンジルアルコール