1123. Benzyl Acetate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 140-11-4
Acetic acid phenylmethyl ester; acetic acid benzyl ester.
C9H10O2; mol wt 150.17.
C 71.98%, H 6.71%, O 21.31%.

Description and references

Occurs in a number of plants, particularly jasmine: S. Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin (Elizabeth, N.J., 1960) pp 313-314. Prepd from benzyl chloride, acetic acid or sodium acetate and triethylamine: Merker, Scott, J. Org. Chem. 26, 5180 (1961); Hennis et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. Prod. Res. Dev. 6, 193 (1967). Toxicity study: P. M. Jenner et al., Food Cosmet. Toxicol. 2, 327 (1964).

Chemical structure

Properties

Liquid; pear-like odor. bp 213°, bp102 134°. mp -51°. d425 1.050. nD20 1.5232, nD25 1.4998. Flash pt, closed cup: 216°F (102°C). Practically insol in water. Misc with alcohol, ether. LD50 orally in rats: 2490 mg/kg (Jenner).

Caution

Ingestion can cause G.I. irritation with vomiting and diarrhea. Also irritating to skin, eyes, respiratory tract.

Use

In perfumery, solvent for cellulose acetate and nitrate.