What is a Benzyl Alcohol?

Benzyl alcohol (C₆H₅CH₂OH) is an aromatic alcohol where a benzene ring (C₆H₆) is bonded to a methylene group (CH₂) and a hydroxyl group (OH). It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor, widely used as a solvent, fragrance, and in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Benzyl alcohol plays a crucial role in the manufacturing processes of synthetic resins, plastics, printing inks, and paints. It is also used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, as it has antibacterial properties and is utilized in topical disinfectants and medications. Furthermore, benzyl alcohol is an important intermediate in the synthesis of chemicals like acetaldehyde and esters.

Chemically, benzyl alcohol can be oxidized to form benzyl aldehyde, a transformation that is frequently used in chemical experiments and production processes involving alcohol oxidation. Additionally, benzyl alcohol is an effective solvent, particularly for dissolving non-polar substances.

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