Benzyl alcohol
CAS 100-51-6
EC 202-859-9
Formula C7H8O
MW 108.14 g/mol
Alcohols & Glycols Pharmaceuticals & HealthcareFood & NutritionPersonal Care & CosmeticsCoatings, Adhesives, Sealants & ElastomersPrinting & Packaging Flavoring & AcidulantSolvent & CarrierPreservation & Biocide
Description
Benzyl alcohol (CAS 100-51-6) is an aromatic alcohol also known as phenylmethanol, phenylcarbinol, and α-toluenol, with the flavour industry designation FEMA 2137. It carries no E-code but is recognised under EC number 202-859-9 and HS code 29062100.
In pharmaceutical formulations, benzyl alcohol acts as a bacteriostatic preservative in injectable preparations by disrupting microbial cell membranes at concentrations of 0.9–2%. In coatings and printing inks, it functions as a coalescing solvent, lowering the minimum film-formation temperature of latex systems and improving pigment dispersion.
Benzyl alcohol is available in pharmaceutical grade (Ph.Eur., USP/NF), food-grade (FCC), and technical grade, supplied in drums and IBC containers. It is a registered REACH substance and subject to EU cosmetics regulation limits as a preservative and fragrance allergen requiring label declaration above 0.001% in leave-on products.
In pharmaceutical formulations, benzyl alcohol acts as a bacteriostatic preservative in injectable preparations by disrupting microbial cell membranes at concentrations of 0.9–2%. In coatings and printing inks, it functions as a coalescing solvent, lowering the minimum film-formation temperature of latex systems and improving pigment dispersion.
Benzyl alcohol is available in pharmaceutical grade (Ph.Eur., USP/NF), food-grade (FCC), and technical grade, supplied in drums and IBC containers. It is a registered REACH substance and subject to EU cosmetics regulation limits as a preservative and fragrance allergen requiring label declaration above 0.001% in leave-on products.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -15.2 °C |
| Boiling Point | 205.3 °C |
| Density | 1.0419 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 201 °F |
| Appearance | colourless liquid |
| Color | APHA: ≤20 |
| Odor | Mild, pleasant. |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 4.29 g/100 mL (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 13.3 mm Hg ( 100 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.539(lit.) |
| Log P | 1.05 at 20℃ |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29062100 |
| UN Number | 1593 |
| ADR Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 10 - Combustible liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
α-ToluenolPhenylcarbinolalpha-toluenolPhenylmethanolBenzenecarbinol
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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