Benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol are two widely used chemicals in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and chemical industries. Despite the similarity in their names, they are completely different substances with distinct chemical structures, properties, and applications. Understanding these differences is essential for safe handling, proper usage, and accurate procurement.
Chemical Structure and Properties
Benzoic Acid (C6H5COOH) is a monofunctional aromatic carboxylic acid. It appears as colorless or white crystalline powder and has a faint aromatic odor.
Benzyl Alcohol (C6H5CH2OH) is an aromatic alcohol with a benzene ring attached to a hydroxymethyl group (-CH2OH). It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild aromatic scent, slightly soluble in water.
What Is Benzoic Acid (CAS: 65-85-0)?
Appearance and properties: flake or needle-like crystals. With a benzene or formaldehyde odor. Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, methanol, ether, chloroform, benzene, toluene, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, and turpentine.
What are the uses of benzoic acid (CAS: 65-85-0)?
- Building block for alkyd resins: Widely used as a monofunctional aromatic acid in resin synthesis.
- Preservative: Acts as an antimicrobial agent in latex, toothpaste, jam, and other products.
- Dyeing and printing: Serves as a mordant for dyeing and printing processes.
- Pharmaceutical and chemical intermediates: Used in the preparation of plasticizers, spices, and other related products.
- Rust inhibitor: Protects steel equipment from corrosion.
What is benzyl alcohol (BA)?
Benzyl alcohol is a kind of colorless transparent liquid; it sends out a slight fragrance, because its the smell and flavor of bitter almond if being put long time and oxidized to benzaldehyde and benzyl acid
What is the use of benzyl alcohol?
Benzyl alcohol is primarily used as a solvent and an antimicrobial preservative, but it has also found use as an antiseptic and local anesthetic. It is also used as a raw material for various esters, used in the soap, perfume, and flavor industries.
Why choose Gneebio?
Gneebio, with decades of experience in research, manufacturing, and marketing of organic chemicals, is one of the leading exporters of chemical products in Henan, China. Over the years, we have been committed to the chemical industries of intermediates, plastic additives, water treatment chemicals and fungicides, and daily chemicals.
Advantages
1) Small batch shipment and sub-packaging are available.
2). Provide COA, MSDS, Health Certificate, and Origin Certificate.
3) Quality first, service best.
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