Benzoin


 * "Benzoin" is also used to describe benzoin resin, which does not contain the benzoin described on this page.

Benzoin or 2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone or 2-Hydroxy-1,2-Diphenylethanone  or desyl alcohol or bitter almond oil camphor is an organic compound consisting of an ethylene bridge flanked by phenyl groups and with a hydroxyl and a ketone functional group. It comes as off-white crystals, with a light camphor odor. Benzoin is synthesized from benzaldehyde in the benzoin condensation.

Its main uses are:
 * photocatalyst in photopolymerization and a photoinitiator
 * raw material for benzil by organic oxidation with nitric acid or oxone. In one study, this reaction is carried out with atmospheric oxygen and basic alumina in dichloromethane.

Benzoin is not a constituent of benzoin resin obtained from the benzoin tree (Styrax) or tincture of benzoin. The main component in these natural products is benzoic acid.