| Chemical Properties |
CLEAR COLOURLESS LIQUID |
| Definition |
ChEBI: The acetate ester of benzyl alcohol. |
| Uses |
In perfumery, solvent for cellulose acetate and nitrate. |
| General Description |
Colorless liquid with an odor of pears. |
| Air & Water Reactions |
Insoluble in water. |
| Reactivity Profile |
Benzyl acetate is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. Benzyl acetate is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Benzyl acetate is also incompatible with acids, bases and reducing agents. |
| Health Hazard |
Harmful if inhaled. May be harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Vapor or mist is irritating to the eyes, mucous membrane and upper respiratory tract. |
| Fire Hazard |
Benzyl acetate is combustible. |
| Purification Methods |
Purify the acetate by fractional distillation, preferably in a good vacuum. Values of n25 of 1.5232-1.5242 are too high and should be nearer to 1.4994. [Merker & Scott J Org Chem 26 5180 1961, Beilstein 6 IV 2262.] |
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