2-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol

Synonym(s):2-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol;Salicyl alcohol;Saligenin;Saligenine, Salicyl alcohol

CAS NO.：90-01-7
Empirical Formula: C7H8O2
Molecular Weight: 124.14
MDL number: MFCD00004617
EINECS: 201-960-5
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-05-20 15:44:28

What is 2-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol?

Chemical properties

light brown crystalline powder

Chemical properties

Salicyl alcohol: (saligenin, o-hydroxy benzyl alcohol) crystallizes from water in the form of needles or white rhombic crystals. It occurs in nature as the bitter glycoside, salicin CAS: 138-52-3, which is isolated from the bark of Salix helix, S. pentandra, S. praecos, some other species of willow trees, and the bark of a number of species of poplar trees such as Polpulus balsamifera, P. candicans, and P. nigra.

The Uses of 2-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol

2-Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol is a phenolic component of a part of a salix bark extract which maintains a minor anti-depressant effect. Phenolic analog with potential for anti-melanomic effect. Also It is an intermediate in the production of phenol formaldehyde res ins (may remain after condensation of the resin); sensitizer in phenol-formaldehyde resins; in loeal anesthetics.

The Uses of 2-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol

anesthetic (local), antiinflammatory

Definition

ChEBI: A hydroxybenzyl alcohol that is phenol substituted by a hydroxymethyl group at C-2.

Synthesis Reference(s)

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 60, p. 5314, 1995 DOI: 10.1021/jo00121a060
Tetrahedron Letters, 10, p. 1739, 1969

General Description

2-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol participates in the selective ring opening reaction of 4H-1,3,2-benzodioxasilines.

Contact allergens

Methylol phenols are sensitizers contained in resins based on phenol and formaldehyde of the resol type. Cross-reactivity is possible with other phenol derivative molecules.

Purification Methods

Crystallise saligenine from water or EtOH/*C6H6 (m 89o). [Beilstein 6 III 4537, 6 IV 5896.]

Properties of 2-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol

Melting point:	83-85 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	190.92°C (rough estimate)
Density	1,613 g/cm³
refractive index	1.5035 (estimate)
storage temp.	Store below +30°C.
solubility	ethanol: soluble5%, clear to very slightly hazy, colorless to light yellow
pka	pK1:9.92 (25°C)
form	Crystalline Flakes or Powder
color	Light beige
Water Solubility	67 g/L (22 ºC)
Merck	14,8325
BRN	1907195
Stability:	Stable. Incompatible with acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, strong oxidizing agents.
CAS DataBase Reference	90-01-7(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	Salicyl alcohol(90-01-7)
EPA Substance Registry System	2-Hydroxybenzenemethanol (90-01-7)

Safety information for 2-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264:Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P264:Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P304+P340:IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing. P405:Store locked up.