Benzyl benzoate is a common ingredient in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Its spelling may seem daunting, but it actually follows the rules of English phonetics. "Benzyl" is pronounced as "ben-zil" with the stress on the first syllable, while "benzoate" is pronounced as "ben-zoh-ate" with the stress on the second syllable. The letter "z" in both words is pronounced with a voiced sibilant sound, written as /z/ in IPA transcription. Overall, the spelling of "benzyl benzoate" is logical and intuitive once you understand its pronunciation.
Benzyl benzoate is a chemical compound that falls under the category of esters. It is composed of a benzyl group bonded to a benzoate group through an ester linkage. This compound generally appears as a colorless or pale yellow liquid, and it possesses a slightly sweet and pleasant odor.
In terms of uses, benzyl benzoate finds extensive applications in various industries. One of its primary uses is as an ingredient in the production of pharmaceuticals and personal care products. It functions as a fragrance ingredient and a solvent in these products. Additionally, it is employed as an active ingredient in the treatment of scabies, a contagious skin infection caused by a parasitic mite.
Benzyl benzoate also exhibits insecticidal properties and is frequently used as an ingredient in insect repellents and pesticides. Its ability to repel or kill insects makes it beneficial in agriculture and horticulture.
Furthermore, this compound can be employed as a plasticizer, which helps improve the flexibility, durability, and workability of various materials, such as plastics and resins. It can also be utilized as a fixative in perfumes and as a flavoring agent in the food industry.
In summary, benzyl benzoate is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications. Whether it is used as an active ingredient in pharmaceuticals or as a fragrant component in personal care products, this chemical compound proves to be valuable in various industries.
A salt possessing marked antispasmodic properties, employed in biliary and renal colic, asthma, high blood pressure, uterine colic, etc.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "benzyl" is derived from the chemical name "benzene", which refers to a cyclic hydrocarbon compound made up of six carbon atoms arranged in a ring. "Benzyl" specifically refers to a functional group consisting of a benzene ring attached to a methylene (CH2) group.
The term "benzoate" comes from "benzoic acid", which is a compound derived from benzene. "Benzoic acid" refers to a white crystalline solid used in the production of various chemicals and as a food preservative.
When these two terms are combined, "benzyl benzoate" refers to a compound that contains the benzyl functional group attached to the benzoate group. Benzyl benzoate is commonly used as an acaricide (a compound that kills mites and ticks) and as a treatment for scabies.