Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl alcohol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C7H8O. It is a colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant aroma. Benzyl alcohol occurs naturally in many essential oils, such as jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang. It is primarily produced through the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride or the oxidation of toluene.

Benzyl alcohol finds widespread use in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and chemicals. It serves as a solvent, fragrance ingredient, and preservative. Additionally, benzyl alcohol is utilized as a precursor in the synthesis of numerous compounds, including esters, ethers, and other benzyl derivatives.