Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol characterized by the chemical formula C7H8O. The benzyl group is commonly abbreviated as "Bn," which is why benzyl alcohol is represented as BnOH. This substance appears as a clear liquid with a gentle and pleasing aromatic scent. It serves as a valuable solvent thanks to its polarity, low toxicity, and minimal vapor pressure.
(El alcohol bencílico es un compuesto orgánico cuya fórmula es C6H5CH2OH. A menudo el grupo bencilo se abrevia como "Bn", por lo cual el alcohol derivado se escribe como BnOH. El alcohol bencílico es un líquido incoloro con un aroma suave agradable. Es un solvente útil a causa de su polaridad, baja toxicidad, y baja presión de vapor. El alcohol bencílico es parcialmente soluble en agua (4 g/100 mL) y es completamente miscible en alcoholes y éter etílico.Puede utilizarse para la preparación de ácido benzoico.)
Uses and applications
Benzyl alcohol in the cosmetics industry
Benzyl alcohol is used in the cosmetics industry as a fragrance, solvent and preservative. It is also used for viscosity control. It is used in perfumery to round off floral fragrances. Benzyl alcohol is one ft he most frequently used substances in cosmetics; examples of applications include perfume, facial cleansers, skin care products such as Vaseline, sun cream, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, hair dye and toothpaste.
Benzyl alcohol in the food industry
Benzyl alcohol is authorised in the EU food industry as an additive with the number E1519. It is used as a carrier for the production of flavourings, for example for liqueurs, flavoured wines and products and cocktails, as well as for confectionery and baked goods.
Benzyl alcohol in the pharmaceutical industry
Benzyl alcohol is used as a solvent in medicines such as injections and oral preparations. Due to ist microbicidal effect, it is also used as a preservative in the pharmaceutical industry. The substance is also used as a local anaesthetic. Benzyl alcohol is also used in medicines against head lice.
Benzyl alcohol in the cleaning industry
Benzyl alcohol acts as a solvent and disinfectant in the cleaning industry. It helps to dissolve dirt, grease, oils and other contaminants from surfaces and also has an antimicrobial effect. It is also used to clean medical equipment and surfaces in hospitals and laboratories.
Benzyl alcohol in the construction industry
Benzyl alcohol is used in the construction industry as a solvent, for example for epoxy resins and epoxy coatings, as well as a plasticiser and stabiliser. It is also used as a cleaning agent that dissolves fats and oils, for preparing surfaces before coating or for cleaning equipment and tools.
Benzyl alcohol in the paint and varnish industry
Due to ist good solvent and diluting properties, benzyl alcohol is used in paints, varnishes and coatings. It helps to control the drying time and improves the distribution ft he colour on the surface.
Benzyl alcohol in agriculture
Benzyl alcohol is mainly used in agriculture as a solvent for pesticides and fertilisers, as a preservative for agrochemicals and as a biological pesticide.
In animal nutrition, benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative and flavouring agent, as well as an antimicrobial agent and solvent ort he production of animal feed supplements.
Other areas of application for benzyl alcohol
In the energy sector, the substance is used as a solvent in the photovoltaic industry and in the production of energy sources, as well as an anti-corrosion agent for systems.
Benzyl alcohol is used in the lubricant industry as a solvent for lubricant additives and as a stabiliser in lubricant formulations and as a viscosity modifier.
The rubber and caoutchouc industry uses benzyl alcohol as a plasticiser, solvent for vulcanisation accelerators and processing aids.
