2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol
[CAS 1777-82-8]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Aromatic alcohol
• Name: 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol
• Synonyms: 2,4-Dichloro-benzenemethanol; Dybenal
• Molecular Formula: C₇H₆Cl₂O
• Molecular Weight: 177.03
• CAS Registry Number: 1777-82-8
• EC Number: 217-210-5
• SMILES: C1=CC(=C(C=C1Cl)Cl)CO

Properties

• Density: 1.4±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*
• Melting point: 55 - 58 °C (Expl.)
• Boiling point: 268.4±25.0 °C 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*
• Flash point: 115.0±17.2 °C (Calc.)^*, 113 °C (Expl.)
• Index of refraction: 1.583 (Calc.)^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H318-H332-H412
• Safety Statements: P261-P264+P265-P271-P273-P280-P304+P340-P305+P354+P338-P317-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319

chemBlink Chemical Story

2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is familiar to many people without its chemical name. It is used with amylmetacresol in several over-the-counter antiseptic throat lozenges for symptomatic relief of uncomplicated sore throat.

The dosage form is part of the design. A lozenge dissolves slowly, keeping the active ingredients in local contact with the mouth and throat rather than delivering a large systemic dose. Clinical studies of amylmetacresol/2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol formulations have reported symptomatic benefit, and laboratory work shows antiseptic activity against several organisms associated with pharyngitis.

This local antiseptic role is not the same as systemic antibiotic therapy. Most uncomplicated sore throats are self-limiting viral infections. The compound's story therefore connects molecule and formulation: therapeutic design includes not only what chemical is used, but where it is delivered and how long it remains there.

References:
Weckmann G. et al. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2017, 71, e13002.
Matthews D. et al. International Journal of General Medicine, 2018, 11, 451-456.
UK electronic Medicines Compendium product information.

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