Benzyl+Alcohol

Benzyl alcohol is an organic compound with the formula C6H5CH2OH. The benzyl group is often abbreviated "Bn", thus benzyl alcohol is denoted as BnOH. Benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant aromatic odor. It is a useful solvent due to its polarity, low toxicity, and low vapor pressure. Benzyl alcohol is partially soluble in water (4 g/100 mL) and completely miscible in alcohols and diethyl ether. Benzyl alcohol is produced by a naturally occurring plants and can be commonly found in fruits and teas. Common places to find this is in essential oils such as jasmine. Like most alcohols Benzyl alcohol reacts with carboxylic acid to form an ester. It also can be used as a general solvent in things such as ink, and paints along with a precursor for __perfumes__ and soap. Benzyl alcohol is a naturally ocurring and synthetic ingredient used as solvent and preservative; has been associated with contact allergy.

In relation to the body, it is synthesized fairly easy by the body by oxidation. If found in high concentration it can be a negative for the body and could result in death. It can cause respiratory failure, hypotension, and paralysis. Infants have a harder time processing benzyl alcohol because they can not synthesize it as fast as adults.


 * Function/use(s):** External Analgesic; Fragrance Ingredient; Oral Health Care Drug; Preservative; Solvent;Viscosity Decreasing Agent; MASKING

Benzyl alcohol is used as a bacteriostatic preservative at low concentrations in intravenous medications. It is oxidized rapidly in healthy individuals to [|benzoic acid], conjugated with glycine in the liver, and excreted as [|hippuric acid]. High concentrations can result in toxic effects including respiratory failure, vasodilation, hypotension, convulsions, and paralysis.

Benzyl alcohol is found in a natural environment, in a variety of plants and fruit trees. It is also found in teas and several __essential oils__ like jasmine. A high concentration can be toxic and can cause hypotension as well as respiratory failure and paralysis.