Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with formula C₆H₅CH₂OH. It is a colorless liquid used as a solvent, fragrance ingredient, and preservative.

Benzene: Benzene is a six-carbon aromatic hydrocarbon with formula C₆H₆ and a ring of delocalized electrons. Its aromatic ring forms the C₆H₅– portion of benzyl alcohol.
Oxidation of alcohols: Oxidation of alcohols converts their carbon–oxygen and carbon–hydrogen bonds into more oxidized functional groups. Benzyl alcohol can be oxidized first to benzaldehyde and then to benzoic acid.
Preservative: A preservative is a substance added to a product to slow spoilage or microbial growth. Benzyl alcohol serves as an antimicrobial preservative in some medicines and personal-care products.
Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen. Benzyl alcohol can irritate skin or, less commonly, trigger allergic contact reactions.
Benzyl group: The benzyl group is the substituent C₆H₅CH₂–, consisting of a phenyl ring attached to a methylene group. Benzyl alcohol is the benzyl group bearing a hydroxyl group.
Benzaldehyde: Benzaldehyde is an aromatic aldehyde with formula C₆H₅CHO, used in flavorings, fragrances, and chemical synthesis. It is the aldehyde formed by controlled oxidation of benzyl alcohol.
Topical medication: A topical medication is a drug applied to the skin or another body surface for local or systemic effect. Benzyl alcohol appears in some topical formulations as a solvent or preservative.
Local anesthetic: A local anesthetic reversibly blocks sensation in a limited area without causing loss of consciousness. Benzyl alcohol has local anesthetic properties and is used in some medical formulations.
Alcohol: An alcohol is an organic compound with a hydroxyl group bonded to a saturated carbon atom. Benzyl alcohol belongs to this class because its hydroxyl-bearing carbon is saturated.
Benzoic acid: Benzoic acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid with formula C₆H₅COOH. Further oxidation of benzyl alcohol can produce this carboxylic acid.

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