bensüülalkohol

Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with the formula C6H5CH2OH. It is a colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant odor. It is sparingly soluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents. Benzyl alcohol is produced industrially by the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride.

Benzyl alcohol occurs naturally in some fruits and teas, such as apricots, cherries, and jasmine. It is used as a preservative, solvent, and viscosity-decreasing agent in a variety of products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food flavorings. In medicine, it is used as a bacteriostatic agent in injectable medications and as a topical antipruritic and local anesthetic. It is also used in the treatment of scabies.

The safety of benzyl alcohol has been evaluated by various regulatory bodies. It is generally recognized as safe for use in food and cosmetics when used within established limits. However, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. In newborns, high doses of benzyl alcohol have been associated with a serious condition known as gasping syndrome.