Benzyl alcohol (1-benzyl alcohol, CAS 100-51-6) is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₇H₈O and the structural formula C₆H₅CH₂OH. It is one of the simplest aromatic alcohols and can be regarded as methanol substituted with a phenyl group. In nature, it mostly exists in the form of esters in essential oils, such as jasmine oil, hyacinth oil, and Peru balsam.
Benzyl Alcohol Chemical Properties
Benzyl alcohol can be oxidized or dehydrogenated to form benzaldehyde. Through hydrogenation, it can be converted into toluene, bibenzyl, methylcyclohexane, or cyclohexylmethanol. It undergoes esterification reactions with carboxylic acids to produce the corresponding esters. In the presence of zinc chloride, boron trifluoride, boric acid, phosphoric acid, or sulfuric acid, it can condense into resinous substances.
Benzyl Alcohol Physical Properties
| Property | Data / Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Benzyl Alcohol (1-Benzyl Alcohol) |
| CAS Number | 100-51-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₈O |
| Structural Formula | C₆H₅CH₂OH |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Mild aromatic |
| Purity | Typically ≥99% |
| Molar Mass | 108.14 g/mol |
| Density | 1.044 g/cm³ (20 °C) |
| benzyl alcohol melting point | −15.2 °C |
| benzyl alcohol boiling point | 205–206 °C |
| benzyl alcohol solubility | Slightly soluble in water (~4 g/100 mL at 20 °C), miscible with ethanol, ether, chloroform, and most organic solvents |
| Refractive Index | 1.539 (20 °C) |
| Flash Point | 93 °C (closed cup) |
benzyl alcohol chemical structure
Click here to get the latest global Benzyl alcohol (CAS 100-51-6) market prices for 2026.