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Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with the formula C6H5CH2OH. The benzyl group is often abbreviated "Bn" (not to be confused with "Bz" which is used for benzoyl), thus benzyl alcohol is denoted as BnOH. Benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant aromatic odor.
The use of sodium hydroxide in the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride yields benzyl alcohol and sodium chloride as the products. The chemical equation for this reaction is given by:
NaOH + C6H5CH2Cl → NaCl + C6H5CH2OH
An alternate method of preparing this compound involves the Grignard reaction between formaldehyde (H-CHO) and phenylmagnesium bromide (Ph-Mg-Br).
Benzyl alcohol is found in many naturally occurring plant products such as Balsam of Peru and is also a component of essential oils such as hyacinth, jasmine, and ylang ylang oils. Benzyl alcohol is also prevalent in hair dyes, shampoos, facial cleansers, sunscreens, fragrances, and cosmetics.
Benzyl alcohol is used as a general solvent for inks, waxes, shellacs, paints, lacquers, and epoxy resin coatings. Thus it can be used in paint strippers, especially when combined with compatible viscosity enhancers to encourage the mixture to cling to painted surfaces.
Benzyl alcohol reacts with acrylonitrile to give N-benzylacrylamide.
Benzyl alcohol is a prescription topical medication used as an anti-parasite medication. Benzyl alcohol topical is used to treat head lice in people between the ages of 6 months and 60 years old. Benzyl alcohol topical is for treating head lice only. It will not treat lice on other body areas.