Solvents - Oxygenated Available — Bulk Only

Benzyl Alcohol

CAS 100-51-6 · Formula C7H8O · MW 108.14 g/mol

A versatile aromatic solvent and preservative spanning coatings, cosmetics, and synthesis. Established uses include service as a solvent for dyestuffs, cellulose esters, and waxes; a preservative and viscosity-control agent in cosmetics; a fragrance component; and an intermediate for benzyl esters and ethers.

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CAS Number
100-51-6
Formula
C7H8O
Molecular Weight
108.14 g/mol
Material Family
Solvents - Oxygenated
At a Glance
Material Family
Solvents - Oxygenated
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Preservation · Solvency
Solubility
10 to 50 mg/mL at 21 °C
Functional Roles
BENZYL ALCOHOL
PERFUMINGPRESERVATIVESOLVENTVISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Applications & Use Cases
  • Cosmetics: preservative, solvent, and viscosity-control ingredient
  • Coatings and dyes: solvent for dyestuffs, cellulose esters, and waxes
  • Fragrance: aroma component and carrier
  • Chemical synthesis: intermediate for benzyl esters and ethers
Physical Properties
Melting Point
-15 °C
Boiling Point
205 °C at 760 mmHg
Density
1.05 at 824 °C
Solubility
10 to 50 mg/mL at 21 °C
Vapor Pressure
0.1 mmHg at 20 °C; 1 mmHg at 58 °C
Flash Point
101 °C
pH
A solution in water is neutral to litmus
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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Chemical Identity
CAS Number
100-51-6
Molecular Formula
C7H8O
Molecular Weight
108.14 g/mol
IUPAC Name
phenylmethanol
INCI Name
BENZYL ALCOHOL
PubChem CID
InChI Key
WVDDGKGOMKODPV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
benzyl alcohol phenylmethanol benzenemethanol phenylcarbinol Benzoyl alcohol Benzenecarbinol Hydroxytoluene alpha-Toluenol Phenylmethyl alcohol (Hydroxymethyl)benzene Phenolcarbinol alpha-hydroxytoluene Alcool benzylique Benzal alcohol Methanol, phenyl- benzylic alcohol Benzylicum hydroxymethylbenzene Phenylcarbinolum
Full Description

Benzyl Alcohol (CAS 100-51-6) is an aromatic alcohol used as a solvent and preservative. Established uses include service as a solvent for dyestuffs, cellulose esters, and waxes; a preservative and viscosity-control agent in cosmetics; a fragrance component; and an intermediate for benzyl esters and ethers. Supplied in bulk for industrial and personal-care formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is benzyl alcohol the same as regular alcohol?

No. 'Regular' drinking or rubbing alcohol refers to ethanol or isopropanol, whereas benzyl alcohol (CAS 100-51-6) is an aromatic alcohol with a benzene ring (C7H8O). They are chemically distinct compounds with different properties and applications.

What is benzyl alcohol used for?

Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used as a solvent and preservative. Established uses include service as a solvent for dyestuffs, cellulose esters, and waxes; a preservative and viscosity-control ingredient in cosmetics; a fragrance component; and an intermediate for benzyl esters and ethers.

Is benzyl alcohol water soluble?

Benzyl alcohol is only moderately soluble in water (roughly 4 g/100 mL at room temperature) but is fully miscible with ethanol, ether, and many organic solvents. This partial water solubility supports its use as a solvent and co-solvent in formulation. Confirm exact specs on the CoA.

What CAS number and HS code apply to benzyl alcohol?

CAS 100-51-6, molecular formula C7H8O, HS classification 290621. Request a lot-specific CoA and SDS to confirm assay, identity, and GHS handling, storage, and PPE data.

Where can I buy bulk benzyl alcohol and how is it priced?

RawSource supplies benzyl alcohol in bulk for industrial and personal-care formulation. Pricing tracks volume and grade, so we quote per order; submit a bulk RFQ with your target volume and packaging (drum/IBC/tote) for a quote with CoA and SDS.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.