beralkohol

Beralkohol is not a standard term in contemporary chemistry. It may appear in non-English sources as a regional spelling, a historical label, or simply a misspelling. In some contexts it has been used to refer to aryl-alkyl alcohols, a class of alcohols in which an aromatic ring carries an attached alkyl chain that bears a hydroxyl group.

Aryl-alkyl alcohols, or aralkohols, consist of an aromatic ring bonded to a carbon chain that ends in a hydroxyl group. Common representatives include benzyl alcohol (phenylmethanol, C6H5-CH2-OH) and phenethyl alcohol (2-phenylethanol, C6H5-CH2-CH2-OH). The general pattern can involve Ar-CH2-OH or Ar-CH2-CH2-OH structures, among others. These compounds are typically colorless liquids with characteristic, often mild odors and are used as solvents, fragrance ingredients, and chemical intermediates.

Production methods commonly involve the selective reduction of the corresponding aldehydes or esters. For example, hydrogenation of benzaldehyde yields benzyl alcohol, and reduction of phenylacetaldehyde yields phenethyl alcohol. Other routes include the reduction of benzyl halides or hydrolysis of related precursors. Purification and purification methods depend on the target alcohol and its application.

Safety and handling depend on the specific compound but share common features: aryl-alkyl alcohols are generally flammable liquids and can cause irritation to skin and eyes. Benzyl alcohol, in particular, is used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals at low concentrations, with regulatory limits governing exposure and use.

See also: benzyl alcohol, aralkohol, aryl-alkyl alcohols.