S1phenyl2propanol

S1phenyl2propanol, also known as 1-phenyl-2-propanol or benzyl methyl carbinol, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C9H12O. It is a secondary alcohol that features a phenyl group attached to the first carbon atom and a methyl group attached to the second carbon atom of a propane chain, with the hydroxyl group also on the second carbon. This arrangement gives it a chiral center at the second carbon, meaning it can exist as two enantiomers, (R)-1-phenyl-2-propanol and (S)-1-phenyl-2-propanol, as well as a racemic mixture.

The compound is a colorless liquid at room temperature and is soluble in many organic solvents. It can be synthesized through various chemical routes, including the reduction of propiophenone or the Grignard reaction between benzylmagnesium chloride and acetaldehyde. Its properties make it a potential intermediate in organic synthesis, though it is not widely used in large-scale industrial applications. Research has explored its use in the development of pharmaceuticals and fragrances due to its structural similarity to other biologically active compounds. Further investigation into its precise pharmacological and toxicological profiles is ongoing.