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  • Benzyl Alcohol CAS 100-51-6

Benzyl Alcohol CAS 100-51-6

Benzyl Alcohol (CAS 100-51-6) is a primary aromatic alcohol functioning as a versatile solvent in epoxy resin coatings and a bacteriostatic preservative in pharmaceutical formulations. Chemically identified as Phenylmethanol or Benzenemethanol, this clear, colorless liquid acts to reduce viscosity and accelerate curing in flooring systems and adhesives. As a low-toxicity Phenylcarbinol solvent, it is extensively utilized in paint strippers, dielectric fluids, and personal care products for its solubilizing properties. We ensure bulk supply capabilities for this material, providing access to competitive factory pricing and customized specifications to meet specific grade requirements (e.g., BP/USP or Technical Grade). Full technical documentation, including MSDS, TDS, COA, is available to support compliance and safety protocols.

  • CAS: 100-51-6
  • Synonyms: Phenylmethanol, Benzenemethanol, Alpha-hydroxytoluene, Phenylcarbinol, Benzylic alcohol
  • Einecs: 202-859-9
  • Molecular Formula: C7H8O
  • Grade: Tech Grade / Pharm Grade / Perfume Grade (FCC)
  • Package: 210kg Steel Drum or 1050kg IBC Tank
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Product Description

Benzyl Alcohol acts as a polarity solvent with a high boiling point. It is produced through the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride or via the hydrogenation of benzaldehyde. Due to its unique chemical structure, it serves as an excellent solvent for waxes, resins, shellacs, and epoxy hardeners.

Main Features:

  • Solvency: Excellent solubility for difficult-to-dissolve resins.
  • Low Volatility: Acts as a fixative to hold scents in perfumes and soaps.
  • Bacteriostatic: Effective preservative against gram-positive bacteria in personal care products.
  • Purity: Our production process ensures a minimum purity of 99.9%, with very low benzaldehyde content (oxidative impurity).

Physicochemical Properties

Test ItemSpecification (Standard)
AppearanceClear, colorless liquid
OdorMild, aromatic, characteristic
Assay (GC Purity)≥ 99.90%
Color (Hazen/APHA)≤ 10
Specific Gravity (20°C)1.043 – 1.048
Refractive Index (20°C)1.538 – 1.541
Acidity (as Benzoic Acid)≤ 0.1%
Moisture (Water Content)≤ 0.1%
Benzaldehyde Content≤ 300 ppm
Boiling Point205.3°C
Flash Point100°C (Closed Cup)
SolubilitySoluble in ethanol, ether; 4g/100ml in water

Applications

  1. Epoxy Resins & Coatings: Used extensively as a solvent and viscosity reducer for epoxy resin curing agents (hardeners), improving the leveling and gloss of floor coatings.
  2. Cosmetics & Personal Care: Functions as a preservative in lotions, shampoos, and creams. Also serves as a solvent for fragrances.
  3. Fragrance & Flavor: Used as a fixative in perfumes and soap essences to retard the evaporation of volatile scent components.
  4. Pharmaceutical Aid: Used as a bacteriostatic agent and local anesthetic in injectable formulations (requires Pharm Grade).
  5. Industrial Solvent: Used in paint strippers, inks, and photography developing solutions.

Storage Conditions

  • Oxidation Sensitivity: Benzyl Alcohol oxidizes slowly to Benzaldehyde and Benzoic Acid when exposed to air. Must be stored under a nitrogen blanket or in tightly sealed containers.
  • Light Protection: Store in light-resistant containers (e.g., steel drums) to prevent degradation.
  • Temperature: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid high temperatures.
  • Shelf Life: typically 12-24 months if stored properly in unopened original packaging.

Safety Precautions

  • Handling: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Causes serious eye irritation. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing during handling.
  • Inhalation: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. If inhaled, remove person to fresh air.
  • Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • Fire Hazard: Combustible liquid. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. Use foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide for extinction.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

  • Q:

    What is Benzyl Alcohol CAS 100-51-6?

    A: Benzyl Alcohol CAS 100-51-6 is a clear, colorless aromatic primary alcohol with the formula C7H8O. It is also called phenylmethanol or benzenemethanol and is used as a solvent, epoxy-curing additive, pharmaceutical preservative and fragrance ingredient.
  • Q:

    Why is Benzyl Alcohol used in epoxy resin and coating systems?

    A: It lowers viscosity and improves compatibility between epoxy resin and amine or polyamide hardeners. In flooring and adhesive formulations it can also help accelerate cure, improve leveling and produce a more workable coating system.
  • Q:

    How is Benzyl Alcohol used as a pharmaceutical preservative?

    A: In multi-dose injectable and other pharmaceutical products, benzyl alcohol is used at controlled preservative concentrations for its bacteriostatic activity. Pharm or BP/USP grade should be selected for drug-related applications, with the exact concentration and route of use confirmed by the formulator.
  • Q:

    What solvent and purity properties should be checked for this product?

    A: The listing specifies GC purity of at least 99.90%, APHA color of 10 or less, water content of 0.1% or less, and benzaldehyde below 300 ppm. It has a boiling point near 205.3 C, density of about 1.043-1.048 g/mL and limited water solubility of about 4 g/100 mL, while it is miscible with ethanol and ether.
  • Q:

    How should Benzyl Alcohol be stored to prevent oxidation?

    A: It slowly oxidizes in air to benzaldehyde and benzoic acid, so it should be kept in tightly sealed drums or IBC tanks under a nitrogen blanket when possible. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources and direct sunlight.

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