Benzyl Alcohol (CAS 100-51-6) is one of the most versatile specialty chemicals in the GCC market, serving four distinct industries: industrial coatings and epoxy systems, pharmaceutical manufacturing, personal care and cosmetics, and flavour and fragrance. This versatility makes it a must-know product for procurement teams across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Technical Specifications — Benzyl Alcohol
| Parameter | Industrial Grade | Pharma/Cosmetic Grade | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 100-51-6 | — | |
| HS Code | 2906.21 | — | |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₈O | — | |
| Purity (GC) | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.5% (BP/USP) | GC |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless liquid | Visual | |
| Density @ 20°C | 1.043–1.046 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 | |
| Boiling Point | 204–206°C | ASTM D1078 | |
| Flash Point (closed cup) | 93°C | ASTM D93 | |
| Refractive Index @ 20°C | 1.538–1.541 | ASTM D1218 | |
| Water Content | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% | Karl Fischer |
| GHS Classification | Acute Tox. 4 (oral), Eye Irrit. 2, STOT SE 3 | GHS | |
| Packaging | 200 kg net drum, IBC | — | |
Applications Across GCC Industries
1. Industrial Coatings and Epoxy Systems
Benzyl Alcohol is widely used in industrial coating systems as a reactive diluent for epoxy resins, a plasticising solvent in vinyl and nitrocellulose lacquers, and an accelerator for certain amine hardener systems.
- Epoxy reactive diluent: At 2–5% loading, reduces epoxy viscosity and improves penetration into porous substrates (concrete, masonry) without dramatically affecting cure performance
- Amine cure accelerator: Accelerates the cure of polyamine-cured epoxy systems in low-temperature conditions — relevant for UAE winter construction projects where night temperatures can drop below 10°C
- Vinyl lacquer solvent: Excellent solvency for vinyl chloride/acetate copolymers in protective lacquers
- Surface tolerant primer ingredient: Helps epoxy penetrate and displace moisture from mildly damp or contaminated steel surfaces
2. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Benzyl Alcohol is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations as an antimicrobial preservative, particularly in injectable preparations where water-based formulations require preservation against microbial contamination.
- Injectable preservative: Used at 0.9% w/v in multi-dose injectable vials (analgesics, vaccines, anaesthetics). Must be pharmaceutical grade (BP/USP)
- Topical antimicrobial: Used in topical solutions, ear drops, and surgical preparations at 1–2%
- Solvent for pharmaceutical actives: Dissolves a range of drug substances due to its mixed polar/non-polar character
- Penetration enhancer: Facilitates skin permeation of topical active pharmaceutical ingredients
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 pharmaceutical sector expansion — with major manufacturing investments by SPIMACO, Tabuk Pharmaceuticals, and international entrants — is increasing local demand for pharmaceutical-grade Benzyl Alcohol.
3. Personal Care and Cosmetics
Benzyl Alcohol serves dual functions in personal care formulations: as a preservative (antimicrobial agent) and as a fragrance solvent/fixative. The UAE and Saudi Arabia cosmetics markets are among the fastest growing in the world — driven by high disposable income, large young populations, and cultural affinity for fragrance.
- Preservative in rinse-off and leave-on products: At 0.5–1.0% (EU Annex V maximum 1.0%). Used in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, creams, and colour cosmetics
- Fragrance component: Naturally occurring in jasmine oil, hyacinth, and ylang ylang. Used as a solvent and fixative for fragrance concentrates in perfumery
- Hair dye solvent: Helps penetrate hair shaft in permanent hair colour formulations (common application in GCC professional salons)
- Nail care: Solvent and plasticiser component in nail polish removers and nail treatment formulations
4. Flavour and Fragrance Industry
Benzyl Alcohol is a permitted flavouring agent (FEMA GRAS, Council of Europe list) with a mild, pleasant balsamic aroma. In the GCC's large fragrance industry — particularly the traditional Arabic oud, attar, and bakhour market — Benzyl Alcohol serves as a carrier solvent, diluent, and fixative for concentrated fragrance oils. Dubai is one of the world's largest fragrance trading hubs.
Properties That Make Benzyl Alcohol Unique
| Property | Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 204–206°C | Low volatility — slow evaporation, suitable for high-temp applications |
| Flash Point | 93°C (closed cup) | Combustible but not flammable — easier storage than solvents like Xylene or EAc |
| Water Solubility | 35 g/L @ 20°C | Partially water-soluble — bridges water and oil phases in formulations |
| Solvency | Mixed polar/non-polar | Dissolves both inorganic salts and organic resins |
| Odour | Faint, pleasant balsamic | No strong chemical odour — suitable for cosmetics and enclosed applications |
| Reactivity | Low | Stable under normal storage conditions |
Safety, Handling and Storage in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Benzyl Alcohol (CAS 100-51-6) has a flash point of 93°C — well above the GHS flammable liquid threshold of 60°C — meaning it is classified as a combustible liquid, not a flammable liquid. This significantly simplifies storage requirements compared to low-flash-point solvents like Xylene or Ethyl Acetate.
- Store in a cool, ventilated area away from strong oxidising agents and acids
- GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity Category 4 (oral) — treat as harmful if ingested. Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection during handling.
- No special flammable liquid storage requirements (flash point > 60°C), but keep away from open flames and extremely high heat sources
- In GCC summer conditions, ensure drums are stored in shaded areas — elevated temperatures can increase vapour pressure and cause drum pressure build-up if containers are sealed improperly
- Shelf life: 24 months in original sealed containers at ambient temperature, away from light