Benzyl Alcohol

1Identification

Name

Benzyl Alcohol

IUPAC name

phenylmethanol

CAS number

100-51-6 (also reported: 957205-23-1)

EC number

202-859-9

Molecular formula

C7H8O

Molecular weight

108.14 g/mol

InChIKey

WVDDGKGOMKODPV-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C1=CC=C(C=C1)CO

PubChem CID

244

Synonyms

benzyl alcohol, phenylmethanol, benzenemethanol, phenylcarbinol, Benzenecarbinol, Hydroxytoluene, Benzoyl alcohol, alpha-Toluenol, Phenylmethyl alcohol, (Hydroxymethyl)benzene, Phenolcarbinol, alpha-hydroxytoluene, Alcool benzylique, Benzal alcohol

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Benzyl Alcohol
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used as a preservative, epoxy resin catalyst, and in the photographic developer C-22; [Kanerva, p. 1757] Used as a preservative, solvent, and local anesthetic; [Marks, p. 136] Used as a preservative in drugs for injection; [Kanerva, p. 462-3] Used in flavors and perfumes and as a solvent for inks and dyes; [AIHA]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean] Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Photographic Processing [Category: Other]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Processing aids not otherwise specified Flavoring and nutrient Solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture) Dispersing agent Solvent Foamant Other Intermediate Solvents (for cleaning or degreasing) Hardener Cleaning agent Fragrance Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Filler Preservative
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Other Solvent Solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture) Insulators Preservative Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Fragrance Cleaning agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Preservatives and Antioxidants;Specialized Industrial Chemicals · Safer Chemical Classes -> Yellow triangle - The chemical has met Safer Choice Criteria for its functional ingredient-class, but has some hazard profile issues · Food additives · Fragrance Ingredients

Description

• Benzyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Slightly denser than water. Flash point 194 °F. Boiling point 401 °F. Contact may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. May be slightly toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol that consists of benzene bearing a single hydroxymethyl substituent. It has a role as an antioxidant, a metabolite, a solvent and a fragrance.
  ChEBI
• Benzyl alcohol is a metabolite found in or produced by Escherichia coli (strain K12, MG1655).
  E. coli Metabolome Database (ECMDB)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

8 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Inhalation of vapor may cause irritation of upper respiratory tract. Prolonged or excessive inhalation may result in headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, respiratory stimulation followed by respiratory and muscular paralysis, convulsions, narcosis and death may result. Ingestion may produce severe irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, followed by nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhea; tissue ulceration may result. Contact with eyes causes local irritation. Material can be absorbed through skin with anesthetic or irritant effect. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Rarely causes allergic contact dermatitis; [Marks, p. 136] Occupational contact urticaria has been reported. [PMID 11766131] A skin and eye irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects; May cause skin sensitization; [ICSC] No deaths in rats exposed to saturated concentrations (100-200 ppm) for 2 hours; Rapidly metabolized to hippuric acid; Has caused deaths in premature infants when given in IV solutions >4.5 mg/kg-day; [AIHA] Included in list of established contact allergens in humans; [EC: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2011)]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Dizziness. Headache.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Drowsiness. Nausea. Vomiting.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Foam, carbon dioxide, dry chem ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material on fire or involved in fire: Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources. /Benzyl alcohol (Combustible liquid, NOS)/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a POTW is acceptable only after review by the governing authority. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must meet Hazardous Material Criteria for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commercial sorbents. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ /Benzyl alcohol (Combustible liquid, NOS)/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations: Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suction hoses. /Benzyl alcohol (Combustible liquid, NOS)/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Benzyl alcohol is stored in stainless steel tanks. Because benzyl alcohol oxidizes readily, it is advisable to cover the surface of the liquid with nitrogen.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ... Store in places that are cool ... Provide adequate ventilation ... Locate the storage area ... away from areas of fire hazard. Highly flammable materials must be kept apart from powerful oxidizing agents, materials susceptible to spontaneous heating, explosives ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store at a temp not exceeding 40 °C in airtight containers. Protect from light.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Neoprene gloves; chemical safety goggles (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Rubber gloves; chemical safety goggles
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Personnel protection: ... Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles. /Benzyl alcohol (Combustible liquid, NOS)/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Attacks plastics. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 236]. Acetyl bromide reacts violently with alcohols or water [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Mixtures of alcohols with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide can cause explosions. Example: an explosion will occur if dimethylbenzylcarbinol is added to 90% hydrogen peroxide then acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid. Mixtures of ethyl alcohol with concentrated hydrogen peroxide form powerful explosives. Mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and 1-phenyl-2-methyl propyl alcohol tend to explode if acidified with 70% sulfuric acid [Chem. Eng. News 45(43):73 1967; J, Org. Chem. 28:1893 1963]. Alkyl hypochlorites are violently explosive.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Slightly soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Mixtures with sulfuric acid decompose expliosively at 180 °C.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ... Incompatible with oxidizing agents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Possible problems ... may occur when polystyrene syringes are used with certain types of drug products that contain paraaldehyde, benzaldehyde, and benzyl alcohol since these agents can extract and dissolve the plastic. At times the rubber tip of the plunger may release a constituent to the drug product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Oxidizes slowly, therefore remains stable for long time
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Short-term exposure effects

• The aerosol is irritating to the eyes and skin. The substance may cause effects on the nervous system.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Carcinogen classification

• Benzyl Alcohol
  NTP Technical Reports
• TR-343: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Benzyl Alcohol (CASRN 100-51-6) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies) (1989 )
  NTP Technical Reports
• 11/06/87
  NTP Technical Reports
• No Evidence
  NTP Technical Reports

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• Benzyl alcohol's production and use as a solvent and chemical intermediate, in perfumery and flavoring, in textiles and sheet plastics, inks, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical aid may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Benzyl alcohol's natural occurrence in flower oils and tree exudates may result in its direct release to the environment. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 9.4X10-2 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates benzyl alcohol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase benzyl alcohol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals;
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• EC50; Species: Haematococcus pluvialis (Algae); Concentration: 2600mg/L for 24 hr; Effect: inhibition of photosynthesis /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• EC50; Species: Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Algae); Concentration: 95 mg/L for 3 hr, Effect: inhibition of photosynthesis /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50; Species: Petrumyzon marinus /lamprey/; Conditions: static bioassay; Concentration: >=5 mg/L for 24 hr
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Waste treatment methods. Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Benzyl alcohol is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Diluents in color additive mixtures for drug use exempt from certification. The following diluents may be safely used in color additive mixtures that are exempt from certification and which are to be used for coloring drugs, subject to the condition that each straight color in the mixture has been exempted from certification or, if not so exempted, is from a batch that has previously been certified and has not changed in composition since certification. Such listing of diluents is not to be construed as superseding any of the other requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to drugs, including new drugs.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 244 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.