Overview
Benzyl alcohol (CAS 100-51-6) is a clear, mildly aromatic liquid valued for its high boiling point, broad solvency, low volatility relative to lighter alcohols, and favorable toxicological profile compared with many polar solvents. These traits make it a versatile workhorse in formulations where solvency, flow/leveling, and gentle preservation are needed.

Core Functional Roles
• Solvent / Co-solvent: Dissolves many resins, dyes, actives, and fragrances; improves flow, open time, and film formation.
• Preservative / Antimicrobial Aid: Widely used in personal care and certain pharma contexts (always follow local regulations and compendial requirements).
• Fragrance Ingredient: Occurs naturally in many essential oils; contributes mild, sweet, floral notes.
• Intermediate: Oxidation/esterification routes to benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, and benzyl esters for flavors, fragrances, and fine chemicals.
• Processing Aid: Viscosity reduction, wetting, dye carrying, and cleaning/degreasing functions.

Application Fields and Practical Guidance

1. Cosmetics & Personal Care
   Typical functions:
   • Preservative / preservation booster in leave-on and rinse-off products.
   • Solvent for actives, UV filters, and fragrance oils.
   • Fragrance component (floral, balsamic nuance).
   Formulation notes:
   • Typical use levels: 0.3–1.0% as a preservative component; 0.5–3.0% as a solvent (ranges vary by product type).
   • Check IFRA and local regulations for fragrance use; confirm allergen labeling where applicable.
   • Compatible with many emulsifiers and thickeners; evaluate sensory (slight warming sensation at higher levels).

2. Pharmaceuticals (Non-clinical guidance; follow pharmacopeial/labeling rules)
   Typical functions:
   • Bacteriostatic preservative in multi-dose aqueous formulations (subject to strict limits and exclusions).
   • Solvent for poorly soluble APIs in topical and certain oral/otic/ophthalmic formulations where allowed.
   • Excipient in dermatological preparations (creams, gels, solutions).
   Formulation notes:
   • Carefully assess patient population safety (e.g., neonates/infants have specific contraindications).
   • Validate extractables/leachables and container compatibility.

3. Coatings, Paints, Inks & Colorants
   Typical functions:
   • High-boiling solvent/co-solvent for epoxy, acrylic, alkyd, and nitrocellulose systems.
   • Leveling and open-time improver; helps reduce brush marks and orange peel.
   • Coupling solvent for pigment concentrates, ink vehicles, and dye solutions.
   Typical use levels: 1–10% depending on resin system.
   Formulation tips:
   • Aids viscosity reduction without excessive evaporation; can modestly accelerate some amine-cured epoxies.
   • Evaluate impact on drying time and hardness development.

4. Adhesives & Sealants
   Typical functions:
   • Solvent and viscosity controller for epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic adhesives.
   • Wetting aid for substrate penetration and bondline formation.
   Use notes:
   • Screen for substrate stress-cracking risk in plastics; confirm cure profile and bond strength.

5. Textiles, Leather & Dyes
   Typical functions:
   • Dye carrier and wetting aid for disperse and acid dyes.
   • Scouring and spot-cleaning solvent; helps remove oils/processing aids.
   • Leather finishing solvent for binders and pigment dispersions.
   Use notes:
   • Improves dye uptake uniformity; adjust add-on to minimize hand feel changes.

6. Fragrances & Flavors
   Typical functions:
   • Fragrance ingredient and solvent for perfumery bases.
   • Intermediate for benzyl esters used in flavors and fragrances.
   Use notes:
   • Observe IFRA and regional flavor regulations; ensure purity grade aligns with end use.

7. Electronics Cleaning & Precision Degreasing
   Typical functions:
   • Solvent for rosin flux residues and light oils/greases.
   • Component in semi-aqueous or solvent-based cleaning blends.
   Use notes:
   • Good material compatibility with many metals; verify with plastics and elastomers.
   • Rinse or displacement steps may be required to avoid residues.

8. Agriculture (Agrochemical Formulations)
   Typical functions:
   • Solvent/co-solvent in EC (emulsifiable concentrate), SL (soluble liquid), and SC (suspension concentrate) systems.
   • Improves solubility of active ingredients and adjuvant packages.
   Use notes:
   • Confirm regulatory acceptance by jurisdiction; check phytotoxicity in target crops.

9. Household & Industrial Cleaners
   Typical functions:
   • Solvent in hard-surface cleaners, paint removers, and graffiti removers (often in blends).
   • Fragrance solvent and coupling agent in premium cleaners.
   Use notes:
   • Balances solvency and odor; evaluate label and VOC requirements by market.

10. Laboratory & Chemical Manufacturing
    Typical functions:
    • Starting material/intermediate for benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, and benzyl esters.
    • Mild reaction medium in esterification/transesterification.
    Use notes:
    • Choose grade based on downstream purity demands (industrial vs. pharma/cosmetic).

Compatibility & Solubility Snapshot
• Miscible with many organic solvents (alcohols, ketones, glycol ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons); limited water solubility but enough to function as a co-solvent in aqueous systems.
• Compatible with most resins used in coatings/inks; always test for haze, phase separation, and cure impact.
• Plastics/elastomers: generally good with metals and glass; check PC, PS, ABS, and certain elastomers for stress-cracking at higher exposure.

Typical Use Levels (Guide Only)

Regulatory & Grade Selection
• Grades: industrial, cosmetic/personal-care, and pharmaceutical grades are available. Select grade according to end-use and local regulations.
• Labeling: ensure correct classification, allergen disclosure (where applicable), and any fragrance-related restrictions.
• Quality: for leave-on skin products or injectables/ophthalmics, use qualified suppliers and compendial grades, with full COA/traceability.

Storage & Handling (Application-Relevant)
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from strong oxidizers and ignition sources.
• Keep containers tightly closed to minimize water uptake, color formation, or oxidation by-products.
• Implement standard PPE and ventilation; consult the SDS for your region.

Why Formulators Choose Benzyl Alcohol
• Balanced solvency with mild odor profile.
• High boiling point supports film formation and open time.
• Multifunctional: solvent, preservative role, fragrance component, and intermediate.
• Broad cross-industry acceptance with accessible global supply.

Sourcing Note

For consistent, high-purity supply suitable for cosmetics, pharma, and industrial applications, Jiangsu Khonor Chemicals Co., Limited provides multiple grades, robust QC, and OEM packaging for global shipment.

COA - Benzyl alcohol - 250710A.pdf

TDS - Benzyl alcohol.pdf