Benzyl benzoate is an organic compound which is used as a medication and insect repellent.[ As a medication it is used to treat scabies and lice.][ For scabies either permethrin or malathion is typically preferred.][ Typically two to three applications are needed.][ It is also present in Balsam of Peru, Tolu balsam, and in a number of flowers.]
Side effect may include irritation of the skin.[ It is also used in other animals; however, it is considered toxic to Cat.][ How it works is unclear.]
Benzyl benzoate was first studied medically in 1918.[ It is not available for medical use in the United States.][
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Uses
Medical
Benzyl benzoate is an effective and inexpensive topical treatment for human scabies.
Benzyl benzoate is used as a topical acaricide, scabicide, and pediculicide in veterinary hospitals.
Non-medical
Benzyl benzoate is used as a repellent for chiggers, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Side effects
Benzyl benzoate has low acute toxicity in laboratory animals. It is rapidly hydrolysis to benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol is subsequently metabolized to benzoic acid. The conjugates of benzoic acid (hippuric acid and the glucuronide of benzoic acid) are rapidly eliminated in urine.[ When given in large doses to laboratory animals, benzyl benzoate can cause hyperexcitation, loss of coordination, ataxia, , and respiratory paralysis.]
Benzyl benzoate can be a skin irritant when used as a topical scabicide.
As an excipient in some testosterone-replacement injectable medications, benzyl benzoate has been reported as a cause of anaphylaxis in a case in Australia.
Chemistry
It is an organic compound with the formula C6H5CH2O2CC6H5. It is the ester of benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid. It forms either a viscous liquid or solid flakes and has a weak, sweet-balsamic odor. It occurs in a number of blossoms (e. g. tuberose, hyacinth) and is a component of Balsam of Peru and Tolu balsam.
Production
Benzyl benzoate is produced industrially by the reaction of sodium benzoate with benzyl chloride in the presence of a Alkali, or by transesterification of methyl benzoate and benzyl alcohol.
