Question

Write a structural formula and give the IUPAC name of benzyl alcohol.

Answer 1

A chemical compound's structural formula is a visual depiction of the molecular structure (derived by structural chemistry methods) that shows how the atoms may be organized in real three-dimensional space. The molecule's chemical bonding is also depicted, either directly or implicitly. Unlike chemical formulae, which have a restricted number of symbols and can only describe a limited number of molecular structures, structural formulas give a more comprehensive geometric depiction of the molecular structure.

Complete answer:
The aromatic alcohol benzyl alcohol has the formula ${{C}_{6}}{{H}_{5}}C{{H}_{2}}OH$. Because the benzyl group is frequently abbreviated as "Bn," benzyl alcohol is written as BnOH. Benzyl alcohol is a clear liquid with a faint fragrant odor. Because of its polarity, low toxicity, and low vapor pressure, it is a valuable solvent. Benzyl alcohol is miscible with alcohols and diethyl ether and has a modest solubility in water (4 g/100 mL). Benzylate or benzyloxide is the anion formed by deprotonation of the alcohol group.
In water, this chemical is not particularly soluble. It does, however, combine well with diethyl ether and other alcohols. ${{C}_{6}}{{H}_{5}}C{{H}_{2}}OH$ is produced naturally by a variety of plants. Benzyl alcohol is present in essential oils derived from jasmine, ylang-ylang, and hyacinth.
A hydroxyl group is linked to a methyl group, which is then bonded to an aromatic ring in this molecule. A ${{C}_{6}}{{H}_{5}}C{{H}_{2}}OH$ molecule's structure is depicted below.

Due to resonance, the pi electrons in the benzene ring are delocalized. The structure of a benzyl alcohol molecule is essentially that of a toluene molecule with a hydroxyl group replacing one of the hydrogen atoms.
The benzene ring is identified by adding a phenyl prefix to the alkane name for substituted benzene rings with more than six carbons.
The alkyl chain is added as a prefix to substituted benzene rings that have less than six carbons, and the termination is altered to -yl.
The ring atoms are numbered for benzene rings with numerous substituents to reduce the numbering of substituent groups; alternatively, ortho/meta/para nomenclature can be employed for disubstituted rings.
Hence benzyl alcohol can be written as Phenyl Methanol.

Note:
A $10\%$ solution of benzyl alcohol can be used as a local anesthetic as well as an antibacterial agent.
This substance is found in liquid mixes used in electronic cigarettes (it enhances the flavour).
Dielectrophoresis may be used to reconfigure certain nanowires using benzyl alcohol as a dielectric solvent.
This chemical can be used to treat head lice at a concentration of 5%.
Because of its antifungal and antibacterial characteristics, it is used in the production of soaps, shampoos, and skin creams.