Benzyl Benzoate is the ester of benzyl acid and benzoic acid. It comes in a colorless oily liquid form, but with a pleasant fragrance.

Some applications:

• In medicine as a topical instead of permethrin and ivermectin against scabies, a skin disease caused by a mite, which develops in poor resource contexts (1).
• Against infections from a particular type of flea (Tunga penetrans) and Benzyl Benzoate has proved an effective remedy (2).
• As a biotechnological tool for odor control (3).
• Probable cure for the prevention of osteoporosis, by improving the antioxidant status as a new therapeutic potential (4).

If used in non-excessive doses, there appears to be no safety concern for human health (5).

References__________________________

(1) Scabies.
Johnstone P, Strong M.
BMJ Clin Evid. 2014 Dec

Comparison of safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of benzyl benzoate, permethrin, and ivermectin in patients of scabies.
Bachewar NP, Thawani VR, Mali SN, Gharpure KJ, Shingade VP, Dakhale GN.
Indian J Pharmacol. 2009 Feb

The effectiveness of benzyl benzoate and different chemicals as acaricides.
Kalpaklioğlu AF, Ferizli AG, Misirligil Z, Demirel YS, Gürbüz L.
Allergy. 1996 Mar

(2) Infestation of Tunga penetrans in villages near Zomba Central Hospital.
Mitchell CJ, Stephany P.
Malawi Med J. 2013 Sep

(3) Odorant binding proteins: a biotechnological tool for odour control.
Silva C, Matamá T, Azoia NG, Mansilha C, Casal M, Cavaco-Paulo A.
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2014 Apr

(4) Antiosteoporotic effects of benzyl benzoate glucosides from Curculigo orchioides in ovariectomized rats.
Liu L, Guo YH, Xin HL, Nie Y, Han T, Qin LP, Zhang QY.
Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2012 Dec

(5) Safety of benzyl benzoate lotion and permethrin in pregnancy: a retrospective matched cohort study.
Mytton OT, McGready R, Lee SJ, Roberts CH, Ashley EA, Carrara VI, Thwai KL, Jay MP, Wiangambun T, Singhasivanon P, Nosten F.
BJOG. 2007 May

Benzyl Benzoate is the ester of benzyl acid and benzoic acid.

The name defines the structure of the molecule

• Benzyl. The benzyl group is made of a benzene ring bonded to a methylene group (CH2). It's a critical part of the molecule that contributes to the compound's chemical properties.
• Benzoate refers to the salt or ester of benzoic acid, providing the compound with acidic properties and representing a critical part of the structure.

Description of raw materials used in production

Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol. It is often produced from the reaction of toluene with strong oxidizers.

Benzoic Acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid It can be obtained from the oxidation of toluene.

Step-by-Step Summary of its Industrial Chemical Synthesis Process

• Reaction. In the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid, benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid are mixed and heated. The reaction yields benzyl benzoate and water.
• Separation. Benzyl benzoate is separated from the reaction mixture through an extraction process with an organic solvent.
• Purification. It is purified through a series of processes, such as vacuum distillation, to remove impurities.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics: Fragrance

Benzyl Benzoate is an aromatic organic compound used in cosmetics and personal care products as a solvent, fragrance, and preservative agent. Thanks to its multifunctional properties, it is commonly employed to enhance formulation stability and provide a pleasant scent. Benzyl Benzoate is also known for its therapeutic applications, particularly in treating dermatological conditions. 

Benzyl Benzoate is a restricted ingredient as  III/85 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.     The presence of the substance must be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1)g when its concentration exceeds: - 0.001% in leave-on products - 0.01% in rinse-off products

Commercial applications 

Pharmaceutical. It is used as a treatment for scabies mites and lice.

Perfumery. Benzyl Benzoate is a common ingredient in perfumes, thanks to its pleasant fragrance.

Plastic Industry. It serves as a plasticizer in various plastic products, enhancing their properties.

Solvent. It is used as a solvent for various chemical substances, especially in the synthesis of dyes and pigments.

Food Industry. It acts as a preservative in some food products.

Environmental and Safety Considerations
Benzyl Benzoate is considered safe for cosmetic use within limits established by international regulations. However, at high concentrations, it may cause skin sensitization or irritation. It is biodegradable and has a limited environmental impact when used responsibly. 

Benzyl Benzoate studies

Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₁₂O₂

Linear Formula C₆H₅COOCH₂C₆H₅

Molecular Weight: 212.248 g/mol

CAS: 120-51-4

EC Number: 204-402-9

UNII: N863NB338G

FEMA Number: 2138

PubChem Substance ID 57653953

MDL number MFCD00003075

Beilstein Registry Number 2049280

Synonyms:

• Novoscabin
• Benzoic acid benzyl ester
• Benzoic acid, phenylmethyl ester
• Ascabin
• Scabitox
• Scobenol
• Ascabiol
• Benylate
• Scabide
• Benzyl benzenecarboxylate
• benzylbenzoate
• Antiscabiosum
• Benzylis benzoas
• Benzyl alcohol benzoic ester
• Peruscabina
• Spasmodin
• Venzonate
• Peruscabin
• Scabagen
• Scabanca
• Scabiozon
• Vanzoate
• Benzyl phenylformate
• Phenylmethyl benzoate
• Benzoic acid, benzyl ester
• Benzylets
• Colebenz