The spelling of "phenyl carbinol" can be confusing, especially for non-native English speakers. It is pronounced /ˈfɛnɪl ˈkɑːrbɪnɒl/, with the stress on the first syllable of both words. "Phenyl" refers to a type of organic compound, while "carbinol" is another name for an alcohol containing a carbon atom with a hydroxyl group attached to it. The correct spelling follows standard English spelling rules, with the use of "ph" to represent the "f" sound and the use of "binol" to represent the "-inol" suffix.
Phenyl carbinol, also known as benzyl alcohol, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H5CH2OH. It consists of a phenyl group (C6H5), which is a cyclic six-carbon aromatic ring, attached to a methyl group (CH2) and a hydroxyl group (OH).
Phenyl carbinol is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor. It is utilized in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and food additives.
In the pharmaceutical industry, phenyl carbinol is commonly employed as a solvent in the production of injections, ointments, and oral medications. It acts as a preservative, enhancing the stability and shelf life of these products. Additionally, it is used in the synthesis of antibiotics, antihistamines, and local anesthetics.
The personal care industry utilizes phenyl carbinol as a fragrance component, emollient, and preservative in a wide range of products such as lotions, creams, shampoos, and perfumes.
Furthermore, phenyl carbinol has applications in the food industry as a flavoring agent, contributing to the taste and aroma of certain food and beverage products.
It is worth noting that while phenyl carbinol generally has low toxicity, excessive exposure can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. Therefore, it is typically used in controlled amounts and proper safety measures are taken when handling this compound.
Phenmethylol.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "phenyl carbinol" is derived from the combination of two terms: "phenyl" and "carbinol".
1. Phenyl: The term "phenyl" is derived from the Greek word "phaino" which means "to show" or "to appear". In chemistry, it refers to a chemical group or radical (C₆H₅) derived from benzene (C₆H₆) by removing one hydrogen atom.
2. Carbinol: The term "carbinol" is derived from the combination of two words. "Carb-" is derived from "carbon", which denotes the element carbon (C). "-inol" is derived from "alcohol", which refers to a class of organic compounds containing the hydroxyl (-OH) functional group.