4-Methylbenzyl alcohol

Chemical properties

white crystalline mass, needles or crystals

The Uses of 4-Methylbenzyl alcohol

4-Methylbenzyl alcohol is used in fragrances, flavoring and as a laboratory reagent. It is also used as a raw material for the preparation of polycarbonates and 4-methyl-benzaldehyde.

The Uses of 4-Methylbenzyl alcohol

Perfumery, flavoring dyes, laboratory reagent.

What are the applications of Application

4-Methylbenzyl alcohol is a compound used in the preparation of polycarbonates and alcohols

Definition

ChEBI: A methylbenzyl alcohol in which the methyl substituent is para to the hydroxymethyl group.

Production Methods

p-Tolyl alcohol is commercially prepared by reducing p-tolyl aldehyde. It is used mainly in fragrances, and the major route of exposure is likely to be dermal contact.

Synthesis Reference(s)

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 52, p. 946, 1987 DOI: 10.1021/jo00381a047

General Description

Needles or off-white crystalline powder.

Air & Water Reactions

Slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

4-Methylbenzyl alcohol can react with acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides and oxidizing agents.

Health Hazard

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When heated to decomposition 4-Methylbenzyl alcohol emits acrid smoke and toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for 4-Methylbenzyl alcohol are not available. 4-Methylbenzyl alcohol is probably combustible.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Purification Methods

Crystallise the alcohol from pet ether (b 80-100o, 1g/mL), Et2O, pentane or H2O (m 61-62.1o). It can also be distilled in a vacuum. [Beilstein 6 H 498, 6 I 248, 6 II 469, 6 III 1779.]