Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is a chemical compound obtained by the reaction of 2,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride with a salt of a water-soluble organic acid in the presence of a catalyst.

It appears as a colourless liquid

What it is used for and where

Medical

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is a broad-spectrum but moderate-acting antiseptic generally used against viruses and bacteria that cause throat and mouth infections. It is commonly found in tablets for the treatment of inflammation of the oral cavity. It is usually combined with Amylmetacresol, another antiseptic against mouth and throat infections and acute sore throats.

This study found that dichlorobenzyl alcohol was able to inhibit the growth of potential periodontal pathogens (1).

In 2005 a study by a group of British researchers established the rather rapid virucidal destructive effect, in about 2 minutes, by a tablet formulation of amyl meta cresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol at low pH, dissolved in artificial saliva on respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and SARS-CoV (2).

For more information:     Dichlorobenzyl alcohol studies

References_______________________________________________________________

(1) Østergaard, E. (1994). Evaluation of the antimicrobial effects of sodium benzoate and dichlorobenzyl alcohol against dental plaque microorganisms: An in vitro study. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 52(6), 335-345.

(2) Oxford, J. S., Lambkin, R., Gibb, I., Balasingam, S., Chan, C., & Catchpole, A. (2005). A throat lozenge containing amyl meta cresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol has a direct virucidal effect on respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and SARS-CoV. Antiviral chemistry and chemotherapy, 16(2), 129-134.