What is Phenyl Salicylate CAS 118-55-8, also known as Salol?

Phenyl Salicylate CAS 118-55-8, also called salol or phenyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, is the phenyl ester of salicylic acid. It has the molecular formula C13H10O3, a molecular weight of 214.22 g/mol, and is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules.

How does Phenyl Salicylate work as a UV stabilizer?

The salicylate group absorbs ultraviolet radiation and converts it to less damaging energy, so phenyl salicylate is used to stabilize plastics, lacquers, glues and waxes against UV-induced yellowing and degradation. It is especially relevant to cellulose nitrate and ethyl cellulose systems.

Why was Phenyl Salicylate used as a pharmaceutical antiseptic?

Phenyl salicylate remains largely intact in the acidic stomach and then hydrolyzes in the small intestine to release phenol and salicylic acid. This controlled release mechanism was the basis of its historical internal antiseptic use, though its use in modern medicine is limited.

What are the key specifications of Phenyl Salicylate CAS 118-55-8?

Typical product specifications include assay of at least 99.0%, melting point about 41-43 C, loss on drying not more than 0.5%, ash not more than 0.1%, and heavy metals not more than 10 ppm. It is practically insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol, ether, benzene and many organic solvents.

How should low-melting Phenyl Salicylate be stored and handled?

Because it melts around 41-43 C, phenyl salicylate should be stored in a cool, dry area below about 30 C, away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep it in tightly sealed containers to prevent caking, moisture pickup and product loss through localized melting.

Phenyl Salicylate CAS 118-55-8

Phenyl Salicylate (CAS 118-55-8) is an organic ester functioning as an ultraviolet light absorber in polymer processing and a synthesis intermediate in fine chemistry. Chemically identified as Salol or Phenyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, this white crystalline powder acts to dissipate UV radiation as heat, protecting plastics and cellulosic materials from photodegradation. As a stable Salicylic acid phenyl ester, it is widely utilized in the formulation of lacquers, waxes, and polishes to extend product durability. We ensure bulk supply capabilities for this material, providing access to competitive factory pricing and customized specifications to meet specific purity and melting point requirements. Full technical documentation, including MSDS, TDS, COA, is available to support compliance and safety protocols.

CAS: 118-55-8
Synonyms: Salol, Phenyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid phenyl ester, Phenyl o-hydroxybenzoate
Einecs: 204-259-2
Molecular Formula: C13H10O3
Grade: Technical Grade / USP / BP
Package: 25kg Fiber Drum or Cardboard Drum

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Product Description

Phenyl Salicylate is an ester formed by the condensation of Salicylic Acid and Phenol.

UV Stabilization: Its primary industrial use is as a UV stabilizer. When exposed to UV radiation, it undergoes a rearrangement (Photo-Fries rearrangement) to form benzophenone derivatives which provide protection to polymers, particularly cellulose nitrate and ethyl cellulose, preventing discoloration and degradation.
Antiseptic & Pharma: In the pharmaceutical field, it has been historically used as an internal antiseptic. It is stable in the acidic environment of the stomach but hydrolyzes in the small intestine to release phenol and salicylic acid, making it useful for enteric coating principles and antiseptic applications.

1 Physicochemical Properties

2 Applications

3 Storage Conditions

4 Safety Precautions

Physicochemical Properties

Test Item	Specification (Standard)
Appearance	White crystalline powder or granules
Odor	Mild, characteristic aromatic odor
Assay (Purity)	≥ 99.0%
Melting Point	41.0°C – 43.0°C
Acidity (Free Acid)	Passes test (Neutral to litmus)
Loss on Drying	≤ 0.5%
Residue on Ignition (Ash)	≤ 0.1%
Sulphates	≤ 0.1%
Heavy Metals	≤ 10 ppm
Solubility	Insoluble in water; Soluble in ethanol, ether, benzene

Applications

Plastics & Polymers: Used as a UV absorber and stabilizer for plastics, lacquers, glues, and waxes. It is particularly effective in cellulose-based plastics.
Cosmetics & Personal Care: Functions as a preservative and antiseptic agent in various lotions and creams. It also acts as a UV filter in some sun-care formulations.
Fragrance Industry: Acts as a fixative and modifier in floral compositions (e.g., carnation, jasmine).
Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Used in the synthesis of analgesic and antipyretic drugs.

Storage Conditions

Temperature Control: CRITICAL. Phenyl Salicylate has a low melting point (approx. 42°C). It must be stored in a cool place, strictly below 30°C. If exposed to heat during transport or storage, the powder will melt and fuse into a solid block upon cooling.
Light Protection: Store in light-resistant containers. Exposure to strong light can cause gradual discoloration.
Environment: Store in a dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials (strong oxidizers).
Shelf Life: 24 months in original unopened packaging under cool conditions.

Safety Precautions

Handling: Avoid creating dust. Use in a well-ventilated area.
Skin/Eye Contact: May cause irritation. Wear safety glasses and protective gloves. If contact occurs, wash with soap and water.
Inhalation: Avoid breathing dust.
Environmental: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Avoid release to the environment.
Disposal: Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national regulations.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Phenyl Salicylate CAS 118-55-8, also known as Salol?

A: Phenyl Salicylate CAS 118-55-8, also called salol or phenyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, is the phenyl ester of salicylic acid. It has the molecular formula C13H10O3, a molecular weight of 214.22 g/mol, and is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules.
Q:
How does Phenyl Salicylate work as a UV stabilizer?

A: The salicylate group absorbs ultraviolet radiation and converts it to less damaging energy, so phenyl salicylate is used to stabilize plastics, lacquers, glues and waxes against UV-induced yellowing and degradation. It is especially relevant to cellulose nitrate and ethyl cellulose systems.
Q:
Why was Phenyl Salicylate used as a pharmaceutical antiseptic?

A: Phenyl salicylate remains largely intact in the acidic stomach and then hydrolyzes in the small intestine to release phenol and salicylic acid. This controlled release mechanism was the basis of its historical internal antiseptic use, though its use in modern medicine is limited.
Q:
What are the key specifications of Phenyl Salicylate CAS 118-55-8?

A: Typical product specifications include assay of at least 99.0%, melting point about 41-43 C, loss on drying not more than 0.5%, ash not more than 0.1%, and heavy metals not more than 10 ppm. It is practically insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol, ether, benzene and many organic solvents.
Q:
How should low-melting Phenyl Salicylate be stored and handled?

A: Because it melts around 41-43 C, phenyl salicylate should be stored in a cool, dry area below about 30 C, away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep it in tightly sealed containers to prevent caking, moisture pickup and product loss through localized melting.

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