Benzhydrol

Diphenylmethanol

Names
IUPAC name Diphenylmethanol
Other names Benzhydrol Diphenylcarbinol Hydroxydiphenylmethane
Identifiers
CAS Number	91-01-0 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	6770 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.001.849
PubChem CID	7037
InChI InChI=1S/C13H12O/c14-13(11-7-3-1-4-8-11)12-9-5-2-6-10-12/h1-10,13-14H Y Key: QILSFLSDHQAZET-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C13H12O/c14-13(11-7-3-1-4-8-11)12-9-5-2-6-10-12/h1-10,13-14H Key: QILSFLSDHQAZET-UHFFFAOYAG
SMILES OC(c1ccccc1)c2ccccc2
Properties
Chemical formula	C13H12O
Molar mass	184.24 g·mol−1
Appearance	White crystals
Density	1.103 g/cm3
Melting point	69 °C (156 °F; 342 K)
Boiling point	298 °C (568 °F; 571 K)
Solubility in water	0.5 g/L (20 °C)
Magnetic susceptibility (χ)	-119.1·10−6 cm3/mol
Hazards
R-phrases (outdated)	R36 R37 R38
S-phrases (outdated)	S26 S27 S28 S29 S30 S33 S35 S36
Related compounds
Related compounds	Benzophenone
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Y  (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

Diphenylmethanol, (C₆H₅)₂CHOH (also known as benzhydrol), is a secondary alcohol with a relative molecular mass of 184.23 g/mol. It has a melting point of 69 °C and a boiling point of 298 °C.

It 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 used in the synthesis of Modafinil and the Benzhydryl group is present in the structure of many histamine H1 antagonists like diphenylhydramine. Benzhydrol is also used in the production of agrochemicals as well as other organic compounds and as a terminating group in polymerizations.

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

Diphenylmethanol may be prepared by a Grignard reaction between phenylmagnesium bromide and benzaldehyde, or by reducing benzophenone, with sodium borohydride or with zinc dust or with sodium amalgam and water.