Benzyl alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol (pronunciation: BEN-zil AL-ko-hol) is an aromatic alcohol with the formula C6H5CH2OH.
Etymology
The term "Benzyl Alcohol" is derived from the German word "Benzol" which refers to the aromatic hydrocarbon benzene, and the English word "alcohol" which is derived from the Arabic word "al-kuhl" meaning 'the kohl'.
Description
Benzyl Alcohol is a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant aromatic odor. It is a useful solvent due to its polarity, low toxicity, and low vapor pressure. Benzyl alcohol is partially soluble in water (4 g/100 mL) and completely miscible in alcohols and diethyl ether.
Uses
Benzyl Alcohol is used in a wide variety of cosmetic formulations as a fragrance component, preservative, solvent, and viscosity-decreasing agent. It is also used in the manufacture of other benzyl compounds, as a pharmaceutical aid, and in perfumery and flavoring.
Related Terms
- Benzene: An aromatic hydrocarbon from which benzyl alcohol is derived.
- Alcohol: A group of organic compounds in which benzyl alcohol belongs.
- Cosmetics: Products in which benzyl alcohol is commonly used.
- Pharmaceuticals: Medicinal drugs where benzyl alcohol is used as an aid.
Health Effects
Benzyl Alcohol is safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 5%. However, it can cause skin and eye irritation, and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Ingestion of benzyl alcohol can lead to a range of health effects including headache, nausea, vomiting, and gastric irritation.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Benzyl alcohol
- Wikipedia's article - Benzyl alcohol
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