Salicyl alcohol
Salicyl alcohol is an organic compound with the formula. It is a white solid that is used as a precursor in organic synthesis.
Synthesis and applications
Salicyl alcohol is produced by the hydroxymethylation of phenol using formaldehyde:Air oxidation of salicyl alcohol gives salicylaldehyde.
Chemical sweeteners are formed by acetal formation with e.g. isovanillin.
Salicyl alcohol appears as a pharmacophore in several notable β2-adrenoceptor agonists, as well as in synthetic estrone analogs, e.g. or .