Benzyl benzoate

Benzyl benzoate is the organic compound with the formula C6H5CH2O2CC6H5. This easily prepared compound has a variety of uses.

Synthesis
This colourless liquid is formally the condensation product of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. It can also be generated from benzaldehyde by the Tishchenko reaction.
 * 2 C6H5CHO &rarr; C6H5CH2O2CC6H5

Uses
Benzyl benzoate has a number of uses:


 * As an antiparasitic insecticide that kills lice and the mites responsible for the skin condition scabies
 * As a fixative in fragrances to improve the stability and other characteristics of the main ingredients
 * As a food additive in artificial flavors
 * As a plasticizer in cellulose and other polymers
 * As a solvent for various chemical reactions
 * As a treatment for sweet itch in horses

Health & Safety information
Benzyl benzoate should be avoided by people with perfume allergy.