Phenyl Salicylate, known in chemical circles as salol, shows up as a white crystalline solid that sometimes appears as flakes or powder. People have been handling this substance for more than a century, and its story reaches far beyond laboratory benches. The unique structure brings together a phenyl group and a salicylic acid backbone, creating a compound with the molecular formula C13H10O3. Each molecule carries a weight of about 214.22 grams per mole, and its physical form makes it easy to weigh, transfer, and store in both research environments and manufacturing facilities.
Solid at room temperature, Phenyl Salicylate melts just above typical warm summer days—its melting point hovers near 41°C to 43°C. Above this, the material becomes a clear liquid, which makes handling under controlled temperatures pretty straightforward. The crystalline solid does not dissolve quickly in water, but acetone, ethanol, and ether bring out its solubility, so workers in labs or production plants often reach for those as solvents. The density lands at roughly 1.25 g/cm³—denser than most plastics but lighter than heavy metals like lead, which affects how it’s stored or shipped. In my experience, this density means a normal-sized jar doesn’t weigh down shelves but always invites care when stacked with other chemicals.
Its slightly sweet, characteristic odor can escape into the air during weighing. Safety officers keep a close eye on air quality for this reason, especially in tighter lab spaces or production rooms, though the compound does not vaporize easily at standard conditions. As a solid, the material appears as pearly flakes or powder, and if poured onto a black surface, the white flakes catch stray light in the room. That visual cue helps signal any accidental countertop spills, reminding workers to clean up promptly to protect colleagues and prevent contamination of other materials.
Phenyl Salicylate owes much of its versatility to its chemical makeup. Every molecule consists of a phenyl ring attached to a salicylate group. This structure means the compound can absorb ultraviolet light, so some manufacturers look at it as a raw material for producing UV-absorbing plastics and resins. Both sides of the molecule bring specific chemical behaviors. The phenyl group supports dissolution in organic solvents while the salicylate segment allows for several downstream chemical reactions.
Product specifications remain strict due to the compound’s role in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Typical grades must feature purity above 99% for medicine and cosmetic uses. Impurities such as residual solvents, moisture, and unwanted byproducts find themselves heavily restricted. Most global suppliers reference the Harmonized System (HS) Code 291821, placing this chemical into a regulated class for customs, trade, and safety planning.
Solid at room temperature, flakes and powder make up most commercial forms. Industrial warehouses prefer large bags of free-flowing powder, easy to measure by scoopful or conveyor. High-purity manufacturers spend extra money on controlling particle size and minimizing dust—this ensures safe handling and smooth mixing into other materials. Flake presentations offer better visual quality inspection compared to compacted powders, but any form of Phenyl Salicylate delivers the same chemical performance once dissolved or melted.
People working with this compound often deal directly with density, using it to estimate volumes needed during manufacturing runs. Laboratories frequently reference the material’s solubility in organic solvents. In pharmaceutical applications, solutions can be prepared by dissolving the compound with gentle heating in ethanol—yielding a clear, stable solution ready to mix with other actives or excipients.
The chemical’s most visible role appears in the plastics and pharmaceutical sectors. Its UV-absorbing properties allow manufacturers to create sun-protective films or coatings. Factories producing colored plastics often do not see the compound but rely on its function to protect pigments and extend shelf life of packaged goods. Meanwhile, cosmetic formulators add it to certain creams and protective lotions, counting on its record of stability and mildness for use on skin. Salol also finds historical use as an antiseptic or preservative agent in older pharmaceutical formulas.
Production always begins with careful selection of raw ingredients. Phenol and salicylic acid, each widely available, are combined under controlled conditions, setting off an esterification reaction. That link forms the backbone of the compound and defines its final properties. Knowledgeable workers track not only major reactants but also side products and wastes, both for product safety and for environmental responsibility. Chemical companies that have invested in modern distillation and purification facilities can reliably reach the purity levels needed for advanced applications.
Phenyl Salicylate brings both safety advantages and special handling requirements. It does not present the fierce toxicity of some raw chemicals, but it should never be underestimated. Direct skin or eye contact, especially with the powder, can spark minor irritation, so gloves and eye shields line every workstation. People breathing in the dust over long shifts might develop mild respiratory irritation, so proper ventilation and dust masks remain standard practice, even in well-equipped labs. Storage guidelines insist on cool, dry, well-ventilated spaces. Tightly sealed containers keep the flakes clean, prevent moisture pickup, and reduce exposure to workplace air. Food and beverage storage must stay strictly separated.
The compound is classified as hazardous for shipping, earning a place among regulated substances in the international transportation world. Though not acutely poisonous in small quantities, long-term safety studies remain ongoing, especially for children, pregnant women, or populations exposed through consumer products. Disposal always follows local and international regulations, with contaminated materials shipped out for incineration or secure landfill, never down ordinary drains or regular garbage bins.
Safe, responsible use of Phenyl Salicylate depends on clear communication throughout supply chains. Training programs teach both new employees and senior staff about risks associated with dust, solvents, and accidental spills. Modern production lines come equipped with rapid containment systems for larger leaks, automatic extraction fans, and real-time air quality monitors to keep exposure low. Chemical industry groups publish safety bulletins and encourage performance audits, ensuring compliance with both environmental and health-related standards. Forward-thinking companies also invest in greener alternatives and ongoing research to minimize waste and improve product safety for consumers. Those working with this material see not just a chemical, but an ongoing responsibility—one supported by training, sensible investment, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
