Chemical Identity and Physical Properties

Benzyl Salicylate (IUPAC name: benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate; CAS 118-58-1) is the ester formed by the condensation of salicylic acid and benzyl alcohol. Its molecular formula is C₁₄H₁₂O₃ with a molecular weight of 228.24 g/mol. At room temperature it presents as a colorless to pale yellow, viscous oily liquid with a faint, sweet, balsamic odor characteristic of many salicylate esters.

Key physical constants reported in the literature include a boiling point of approximately 320 °C at atmospheric pressure, a refractive index around 1.580, and a density near 1.18 g/cm³. The compound is practically insoluble in water but freely miscible with common organic solvents including ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, and fixed oils, making it compatible with a broad range of formulation matrices.

Applications in Research and Industry

Fragrance and Flavor: Benzyl Salicylate is a well-established fragrance ingredient used in perfumery as a fixative and blending agent, imparting a soft floral-balsamic note and helping to anchor more volatile top-note components. It appears in fine fragrances, soaps, lotions, and household products.

UV Absorption: The conjugated phenolic ester chromophore provides meaningful UV absorption, and the compound has historically been incorporated into sunscreen and photoprotective formulations as a secondary UV filter. Researchers studying photostability and UV-absorber mechanisms may use it as a reference compound or model substrate.

Chemical Synthesis and Research: As a bench reagent, Benzyl Salicylate serves as a starting material or intermediate in the preparation of more complex salicylate derivatives, protecting-group strategies, and esterification methodology studies. Its well-defined spectroscopic profile (characteristic IR carbonyl stretch ~1680 cm⁻¹ for the intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded ester, and diagnostic NMR signals) makes it a useful reference standard in analytical method development.

Biological Studies: The compound has been investigated in in-vitro sensitization and skin-penetration studies, providing a model lipophilic ester for dermal absorption research.

Handling, Storage, and Safety

General Precautions: Although Benzyl Salicylate has low acute oral toxicity at typical exposure levels, it is classified as a potential skin sensitizer by regulatory bodies including IFRA (International Fragrance Association) and is listed as an allergen requiring declaration in cosmetic products under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 when present above threshold concentrations (0.001% in leave-on, 0.01% in rinse-off products).

Personal Protective Equipment: When handling bulk quantities in a laboratory setting, wear appropriate PPE including nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a laboratory coat. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood to minimize inhalation of vapors.

Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong oxidizing agents. Recommended storage temperature is room temperature (15–25 °C) under dry conditions. Properly stored material is stable for an extended period; however, routine purity checks by GC or HPLC are advisable before use in sensitive assays.

Disposal: Dispose of waste material in accordance with local environmental regulations. Do not pour large quantities into drains. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific for product-specific guidance.

Regulatory and Quality Considerations

IFRA Standards: The International Fragrance Association periodically reviews and publishes usage standards for fragrance ingredients. Benzyl Salicylate is subject to IFRA standards that limit its concentration in specific product categories to manage sensitization risk. Formulators should consult the current IFRA Amendment for applicable limits.

EU Cosmetics Regulation: Under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, Benzyl Salicylate must be declared on the ingredient list (INCI name: BENZYL SALICYLATE) when present above defined thresholds in consumer products.

Reagent Purity: For laboratory and research applications, purity is a critical specification. Aladdin Scientific offers Benzyl Salicylate (SKU: B153106) with defined purity suitable for research use. Researchers requiring higher-purity material for analytical reference or pharmaceutical applications should verify the certificate of analysis (CoA) and consider additional purification steps if necessary.

Documentation: A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are available for SKU B153106. These documents provide lot-specific purity data, spectral data references, and regulatory classification information to support quality-assurance workflows.