Benzyl alcohol /ˌbɛnzəl ˈælkəhɒl/ is a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant aroma. The spelling of "benzyl" is phonetically transcribed as /ˈbɛnzəl/. The "z" in "benzyl" is pronounced as /z/ which is a voiced alveolar fricative sound. The "y" in "benzyl" is pronounced /i/ which makes a long "e" sound. The spelling of "alcohol" is phonetically transcribed as /ˈælkəhɒl/. The "h" in "alcohol" is pronounced as /h/ which is an unvoiced glottal fricative sound.
Benzyl alcohol is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C7H8O. It is an organic alcohol that consists of a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to it. It is commonly used as a synthetic solvent due to its ability to dissolve many substances.
As a chemical, benzyl alcohol is classified as a fatty alcohol. It can be found naturally in many essential oils, such as jasmine, ylang-ylang, and certain fruits. However, the majority of benzyl alcohol utilized commercially is produced synthetically.
Benzyl alcohol is widely used in various industries. In the pharmaceutical sector, it is commonly employed as a preservative in injectable drugs and as a local anesthetic. Additionally, it is utilized as a solvent in the manufacture of cosmetics, fragrances, and personal care products.
This chemical compound also finds applications in the formulation of various industrial products. It is a useful solvent for coatings, paints, and inks, contributing to their uniformity and consistency. Moreover, it is employed in the production of synthetic resin, dyes, and in the synthesis of certain chemical compounds.
Despite its versatility, it is essential to note that benzyl alcohol can cause skin and eye irritation. It should be handled with caution and used in well-ventilated areas. Additionally, proper safety measures need to be followed, including the use of protective equipment like gloves and eyewear.
Overall, benzyl alcohol is a versatile chemical compound that serves various purposes across industries, being used as a solvent, preservative, and facilitator in the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and diverse industrial products.
Phenmethylol. phenyl carbinol, C6H5.CH2.OH, a substance possessing marked local anesthetic properties.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Benzyl Alcohol" has its etymology rooted in organic chemistry.
The term "benzyl" is derived from "benzene", which refers to a colorless liquid hydrocarbon compound consisting of six carbon atoms arranged in a ring with alternating single and double bonds. Benzene is a fundamental compound in many organic reactions and is characterized by its aromaticity. The suffix "-yl" signifies a functional group within organic chemistry, indicating the presence of a single bond to another atom.
The term "alcohol" comes from the Arabic word "al-kuḥl", which originally referred to a fine powder, specifically antimony powder. Over time, "alcohol" evolved to denote a wide range of substances that share the common feature of hydroxyl (-OH) functional group, such as ethanol, methanol, and benzyl alcohol.