Бензилбензоат

Chemistry

Its condensed formula is C₆H₅COOCH₂C₆H₅, and it is classed as both a benzoate ester and a benzyl ester. It forms either a colorless viscous liquid or white solid flakes. Benzyl benzoate is insoluble in water but miscible with alcohol, chloroform, ether and oils. It congeals at temperatures not below 18 °C and supercools easily. It has low acute toxicity in laboratory animals and is rapidly hydrolyzed to benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol.

Occurrence

Benzyl benzoate occurs in a number of blossoms, for example tuberose and hyacinth, and is a component of Balsam of Peru and Tolu balsam. Balsam of Peru contains 25 or so different substances, including cinnamein, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl cinnamate, benzyl benzoate, benzoic acid, and vanillin. The bulk of Peru balsam oil consists of a mixture of the benzyl esters of cinnamic and benzoic acids. Benzyl benzoate has been isolated from plant species of the genus Polyalthia.

Production volume

United States production in 2023 was in the range of 10,000,000 to under 25,000,000 pounds.

Uses beyond perfumery

Benzyl benzoate is used as a medication and insect repellent. As a medication it is used to treat scabies and lice. It is also used as a dye carrier, a solvent for cellulose derivatives and a plasticizer. A moist powder of wetted cellulose and benzyl benzoate is used on carpets as an acaricide.

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Related: Amberwood · Andiroba · Bakhoor · Balsamic Notes · Benzoin Resinoid · Benzyl Salicylate · Birch Tar · Blue Amber