Benzhydrol is a white solid and is an important organic intermediate.

Melting point

65-67 °C (lit.)

Preparation

Benzhydrol may be prepared by a Grignard reaction between phenylmagnesium bromide and benzaldehyde. 

An alternative method involves reducing benzophenone with sodium borohydride with zinc dust or with sodium amalgam and water.

Uses

Benzhydrol has uses in perfume and pharmaceutical manufacture.

In perfumery, it is used as a fixative.

In pharmaceutical manufacture, it is used in the synthesis of antihistamines/antiallergenic agents and antihypertensive agents. It is also used in the synthesis of modafinil and the benzhydryl group is present in the structure of many histamine H1 antagonists like diphenylhydramine.

Moreover, benzhydrol is used in the production of agrochemicals as well as other organic compounds and as a terminating group in polymerizations.

Hazards

Benzhydrol is an irritant to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.