Бензилсаліцилат

Benzyl salicylate (CAS 118-58-1, C₁₄H₁₂O₃) is the benzyl ester of salicylic acid. Its molecular weight is 228.24.

Properties

It is a colorless oil with a melting point of 24 to 25 °C. At low temperature it forms white needles. Its density is 1.17 g/cm³, and its boiling point is 318 °C. Under reduced pressure it boils at 208 °C at 26 mm Hg. Its flash point is 180 °C in a closed cup. Its refractive index is 1.579 to 1.583 at 20 °C. Its solubility in water is 8.8 mg/L at 20 °C. It is soluble in organic solvents and oils. Its logP is estimated at 4.209. Other reported melting points are 23.4 °C and 24 °C, and its congealing point is 23 °C. Its density at 20 °C is 1.175 g/cm³. Its vapour pressure is 7.8×10⁻⁵ mm Hg at 25 °C, and a measured log Kow of 4.0 is reported at 35 °C. The commercial material is a colourless oily liquid or an opaque crystalline mass that tends to supercool. Commercial grades assay at 98 to 100%. It is stable under recommended storage conditions, with a shelf life of 24 months or longer if stored properly. When heated to decomposition it gives off acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Chemical identity

Its structural formula is HOC₆H₄CO₂CH₂C₆H₅, and its preferred IUPAC name is benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate.

Salicylic acid and the salicylates

Salicylic acid, the parent acid, is a colorless or white, bitter-tasting solid and a precursor to aspirin. Salts and esters of salicylic acid are called salicylates. Other salicylate esters include methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate, homosalate and 2-ethylhexyl salicylate.

Uses in cosmetics

It is used in cosmetics as a fragrance additive or UV light absorber. In sunscreens it works by absorbing UVB light, the radiation that causes the skin to burn.

Safety

There is some evidence that people may become sensitized to this material. Its hazard phrases state that it is irritating to the eyes, respiratory system and skin and may cause sensitisation by skin contact. Its precautionary phrases advise avoiding contact with skin, rinsing the eyes immediately with plenty of water in case of contact, and wearing suitable protective clothing. In an opinion adopted on 26 October 2023, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety considered benzyl salicylate safe up to the maximum concentrations given in Table 1 of the opinion. The available data provide some indications for an endocrine mode of action, but there is no evidence to suggest that this results in endocrine effects. The committee's assessment did not cover the safety of the material for the environment, since its mandates do not address environmental aspects. The International Fragrance Association restricts its use in fragrances as a result of the sensitisation evidence. Among the finished-product limits, products applied to the axillae are held to 0.39%, lip products to 1.30%, body lotion to 1.90%, products with oral and lip exposure to 4.30%, fine fragrance to 7.30%, and products applied to the face and body with the fingertips to 7.80%.

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