Benzyl Benzoate: Properties, Applications, and Safety Considerations

Benzyl Benzoate is a versatile aromatic ester widely used across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, pesticides, and chemical synthesis. With its diverse applications ranging from topical treatments to industrial formulations, Benzyl Benzoate continues to be a critical component in both medicinal and commercial products.

In this blog, we will explore Benzyl Benzoate’s chemical properties, its key applications, and health and safety considerations to ensure safe handling and effective use in various sectors.

What is Benzyl Benzoate?

Chemical Formula: C₁₄H₁₂O₂
IUPAC Name: Benzyl benzoate
CAS Number: 120-51-4
Molecular Weight: 212.25 g/mol

Benzyl Benzoate is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, balsamic odor. It is commonly synthesized through the esterification of benzoic acid with benzyl alcohol. It is highly soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform, and has limited solubility in water.

Due to its aromatic structure, it exhibits properties like solubility in non-polar solvents, making it a useful ingredient in many formulations requiring a solvent or copyright fluid.

Key Physical and Chemical Properties

Property	Value
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Molecular Weight	212.25 g/mol
Boiling Point	323°C (613°F)
Melting Point	-15°C (5°F)
Density	1.12 g/cm³
Solubility	Soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform; insoluble in water
Flash Point	158°C (316°F)
Viscosity	3.27 cP at 25°C
Refractive Index	1.544 (at 20°C)

Applications of Benzyl Benzoate

1. Pharmaceutical and Medical Use

Benzyl Benzoate has a significant presence in the pharmaceutical industry due to its antiparasitic and anti-itch properties.

Treatment for Scabies and Lice: Benzyl Benzoate is commonly used in topical medications for the treatment of scabies and lice infestations. It acts as a scabicidal agent, helping to kill the mites responsible for scabies and the lice causing infestations.
Anti-Itch: It is also utilized in topical ointments for skin irritation and itching, as it has mild analgesic properties and helps soothe irritated skin.
Antimicrobial: Benzyl Benzoate has shown some effectiveness in killing bacteria and fungi, making it an ingredient in certain antiseptic preparations.

2. Cosmetics and Personal Care

Due to its pleasant fragrance and solvent properties, Benzyl Benzoate is widely used in the cosmetics and personal care industry:

Fragrance Ingredient: Benzyl Benzoate is often used as a fixative in perfumes, colognes, and cosmetic products. It helps stabilize and extend the scent of fragrances.
Emollient in Skin Care: In lotions, creams, and moisturizers, Benzyl Benzoate acts as a softening agent, improving the feel and texture of the products.
Hair Care: It can be found in hair care formulations, particularly those that claim to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, thanks to its antifungal properties.

3. Pesticides and Insecticides

Benzyl Benzoate is also employed in pesticides and insecticides, particularly as a contact insecticide and acaricide. It is effective in treating mites, ticks, and various insects in both agricultural and household applications.

4. Solvent in Chemical Synthesis

As an organic solvent, Benzyl Benzoate is used in several chemical reactions and syntheses. It is a good solvent for polymers, resins, and other organic compounds, making it useful in industries like:

Polymer production, where it helps dissolve high-molecular-weight compounds.
Paints and Coatings, where it is used in formulations for flexible and durable coatings.
Drug Formulation, where it is used to solvate and deliver active ingredients in pharmaceutical preparations.

5. Plasticizer

Benzyl Benzoate is sometimes used as a plasticizer in the production of plastics and rubbers to increase flexibility and reduce brittleness. It is commonly found in PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) products.

6. Food Industry (Limited Use)

Though rarely used in food processing today, Benzyl Benzoate has historically found limited use as a flavoring agent and preservative. Its antibacterial properties can help inhibit the growth of certain microbes, but its use is highly regulated in food applications due to its potential toxicity.

Health and Safety Considerations

Health Effects:

Benzyl Benzoate is generally regarded as safe when used appropriately, but like any chemical, it can pose risks under certain conditions.

Inhalation: Breathing in vapors or dust from Benzyl Benzoate could cause respiratory irritation or dizziness. Prolonged exposure may lead to headaches or nausea.
Skin Contact: Benzyl Benzoate is an effective penetrating agent, meaning it can be absorbed through the skin. Prolonged contact may cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. In rare cases, an allergic reaction (e.g., rash or swelling) may occur.
Eye Contact: It can cause irritation if it gets into the eyes, resulting in redness, itchiness, or watering.
Ingestion: If ingested, Benzyl Benzoate can cause gastrointestinal discomfort like nausea and vomiting. Seek medical attention if a large amount is ingested.

Fire and Explosion Hazards:

Benzyl Benzoate has a relatively high flash point (158°C or 316°F), which means it is not highly flammable under normal conditions.
However, like most organic compounds, it should be stored away from heat or open flames to prevent potential combustion.
In case of fire, use foam, carbon dioxide (CO₂), or dry chemical fire extinguishers.

Environmental Impact:

Benzyl Benzoate is moderately toxic to aquatic life and should not be released into waterways without proper treatment.
It is biodegradable but should still be disposed of properly to prevent environmental contamination.

Storage and Handling Guidelines

Storage:

Store Benzyl Benzoate in airtight containers in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight.
The storage area should be well-ventilated, particularly if large quantities are involved.
Avoid storing Benzyl Benzoate near strong oxidizers or open flames to reduce the risk of fire.

Handling:

When handling Benzyl Benzoate, wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact.
Use in well-ventilated areas to prevent inhalation of fumes.
Minimize prolonged exposure, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.

First Aid Measures:

Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash affected skin with soap and water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Inhalation: Remove the individual to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water and seek medical attention if large amounts are ingested.

Market Outlook and Demand for Benzyl Benzoate

The global demand for Benzyl Benzoate is expected to grow in tandem with the expansion of industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and pesticides. With increasing awareness of skin diseases, scabies, and lice infestations, the demand for Benzyl Benzoate in medical treatments will continue to rise, particularly in emerging markets.

Additionally, as cosmetic formulations become more sophisticated, Benzyl Benzoate’s role as a solvent and fragrance fixative will remain in demand. The agricultural sector will continue to rely on its acaricidal and insecticidal properties, bolstering demand for Benzyl Benzoate-based products.

Conclusion

Benzyl Benzoate is a multifaceted compound with numerous applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, pesticides, and chemical synthesis. Whether used as a topical treatment for skin conditions, a solvent in industrial formulations, or a fixative in fragrance products, Benzyl Benzoate continues to be an essential ingredient across several industries.

However, it is important to handle Benzyl Benzoate with caution and follow appropriate safety measures to minimize potential health risks and environmental impact. Always ensure proper storage, disposal, and PPE use for safe handling and use.

Contact Us

Phone : +49 1512 4714765 ( Germany )
Phone : +1 (702) 381-3042 ( USA )
Email : [email protected]
Address : Cunostraße 56, 14193 Berlin. Germany
Address : 7373 Rowlett Park Dr, Tampa, FL 33610, United States.

Blog

Benzyl benzoate