BENZYL CHLORIDE

Benzyl chloride is treated with potassium hydroxide or moist silver oxide to form benzyl alcohol.

Uses

Benzyl chloride is used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of certain dyes, pharmaceutical products, plasticizers, lubricants and as a photographic developer. Used mainly to produce plasticizers e.g. benzyl butyl phthalate), benzyl alcohol, and phenylacetic acid via benzyl cyanide (used in the production of synthetic penicillin). On a smaller scale, it is used to produce quaternary ammonium salts (for disinfectants and phase-transfer catalysts), benzyl esters (benzyl benzoate and benzyl acetate for the flavors and perfumes industry), dyes of triphenylmethane series, dibenzyl disulfide (antioxidant for lubricants), benzylphenol, and benzylamines.