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.

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.

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.

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.]