Benzyl Alcohol, Phenyl Methanol, Hydroxytoluene, Hydroxymethyl Benzene, 100-51-6

Benzyl Alcohol, Phenyl Methanol, Hydroxytoluene, Hydroxymethyl Benzene, 100-51-6

BENZYL ALCOHOL

SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTITY AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION

Note: Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic primary alcohol containing a hydroxymethyl group (-CH₂OH) attached to a benzene ring. It occurs naturally in many plants, fruits, teas, and essential oils such as jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang, either free or esterified. Due to its polarity, low toxicity, and low vapor pressure, it is widely used as a versatile solvent, preservative, and chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications. It also exhibits local anesthetic properties.

SECTION 2: CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

        H
         \
          C
         / \
        /   \
       /     \
      /       \
     /         \
    /           \
   /             \
  C               C
  |               |
  C               C
  |               |
  C——CH₂—OH      C
   \           /
    \         /
     \       /
      \     /
       \   /
        \ /
         C

    Benzyl Alcohol
    Phenylmethanol
    C₆H₅CH₂OH

Simplified Structure:

    C₆H₅ — CH₂OH

    Benzyl Alcohol
    Phenylmethanol

SECTION 3: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 4: STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 5: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 6: TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 7: USAGE RATES (BY INDUSTRY)

SECTION 8: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

SECTION 9: ALTERNATIVES AND COMPARISON

SECTION 10: SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION

GHS Classification (CLP Regulation):

Signal Word: Warning

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation mark)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

Precautionary Statements (P-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 11: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 16: TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 18: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. Premature Infants and Newborns: Benzyl alcohol is contraindicated in premature infants and newborns due to risk of "gasping syndrome" (metabolic acidosis, respiratory depression).

2. Allergic Reactions: May cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Patch testing should be performed before use in individuals with sensitive skin.

3. Skin and Eye Irritation: May cause skin and eye irritation at high concentrations. Use protective equipment.

4. Oxidation: Slowly oxidizes to benzaldehyde upon exposure to light and air. Store in light-protected containers.

5. Incompatibility: May react vigorously with strong oxidizing agents (nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate).

6. Plastic Compatibility: May dissolve or soften some plastics such as polystyrene and polycarbonate; use glass, HDPE, or stainless steel for storage and handling.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Concentration: Use 0.5-2% as a preservative in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. Maximum 2% in injectable solutions.

2. Formulation: Effective as a preservative in pH 4-8 range. Combination with phenoxyethanol provides synergistic effect.

3. Dissolution: Moderately soluble in water; miscible with organic solvents. Can be added directly to formulations.

4. Antioxidant Use: Add BHT (0.01-0.1%) or Vitamin E to prevent oxidation.

5. Light Protection: Store in amber glass or opaque containers. Avoid prolonged light exposure.

6. Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles, organic vapor respirator (for large quantities).

7. Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.

8. Storage: Store in cool, dry, light-protected containers. Keep containers tightly closed to minimize air exposure.

9. Quality Control: Regularly perform GC for purity, Karl Fischer for water content, GC for benzaldehyde content, titration for acidity.

10. Spill Cleanup: Collect with absorbent material; prevent entry into sewers or water bodies.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or guarantee. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications and for complying with all local, regional, and national regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.