B

Benzyl alcohol

IUPAC: phenylmethanol

C7H8O Organic Compounds CAS 100-51-6
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC7H8O
CAS Number100-51-6
Molecular Weight108.14
Melting Point4.5 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point401 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.05 at 1515 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility10 to 50 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBenzyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Slightly denser than water. Flash point 194 °F. Boiling point 401 °F. Contact may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membrane...
Also Known Asphenylmethanol; benzenemethanol; 100-51-6; phenylcarbinol; Benzoyl alcohol; Benzenecarbinol; Hydroxytoluene; alpha-Toluenol; Phenylmethyl alcohol; (Hydroxymethyl)benzene
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Benzyl alcohol?

Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol that consists of benzene bearing a single hydroxymethyl substituent. It has a role as an antioxidant, a metabolite, a solvent and a fragrance.

Formula & Notation

C7H8O

IUPAC Name: phenylmethanol

Other Names / Synonyms: phenylmethanol; benzenemethanol; 100-51-6; phenylcarbinol; Benzoyl alcohol; Benzenecarbinol; Hydroxytoluene; alpha-Toluenol; Phenylmethyl alcohol; (Hydroxymethyl)benzene

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Benzyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Slightly denser than water. Flash point 194 °F. Boiling point 401 °F. Contact may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membrane.... Molecular formula: C7H8O. Molecular weight: 108.14 g/mol. Boiling point: 401 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 4.5 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.05 at 1515 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 10 to 50 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.1 mmHg at 68 °F ; 1 mmHg at 136 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 1.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point4.5 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point401 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.05 at 1515 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight108.14
Solubility10 to 50 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBenzyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Slightly denser than water. Flash point 194 °F. Boiling point 401 °F. Contact may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membrane...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Benzyl alcohol
Formula C7H8O
CAS Number 100-51-6
Molecular Weight 108.14
Synonyms phenylmethanol; benzenemethanol; 100-51-6; phenylcarbinol; Benzoyl alcohol; Benzenecarbinol; Hydroxytoluene; alpha-Toluenol; Phenylmethyl alcohol; (Hydroxymethyl)benzene

Frequently Asked Questions

Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol that consists of benzene bearing a single hydroxymethyl substituent. It has a role as an antioxidant, a metabolite, a solvent and a fragrance.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.