What is the Difference Between Benzene and Oxybenzone

The main difference between benzene and oxybenzone is that oxybenzone is commonly used in sunscreens, whereas benzene is not generally used in any skincare products, including sunscreen.

Organic compounds are compounds having carbon atoms in their structures. These carbon atoms are bound to each other and to other compounds by covalent bonds. Moreover, the other most common elements found within organic compounds are oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen. Organic compounds vary widely in structure and composition, and we group them into various categories according to various classifications. Organic compounds may also exist in solid, liquid, and gaseous states. Additionally, a few examples of organic compounds include proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, aromatic compounds, benzoic acids, benzene, and oxybenzone.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Benzene
      – Definition, Chemical Properties, Uses 
2. What is Oxybenzone
      – Definition, Chemical Properties, Uses 
3. Difference Between Benzene and Oxybenzone
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Benzene, Oxybenzone

What is Benzene

Benzene is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H6. The molar mass of benzene is  78.11 g/mol. The melting point of benzene is 5.5 °C, while the boiling point of benzene is  80.1 °C.

Figure 1: Benzene

Six carbon atoms bond together to form benzene, with each carbon atom attaching to a hydrogen atom. The carbon atoms join in a regular hexagonal shape. Moreover, it is a planar molecule. The length of the carbon-carbon bonds in the benzene molecule is less than a single bond and is more than a double bond. These bonds show that the benzene ring is unsaturated. Benzene also shows resonance. Delocalized electron clouds are present on the top and bottom of the planar molecule. In fact, this delocalization makes the benzene molecule more stable. Benzene cannot perform addition reactions as it loses stability due to the breakdown of the delocalized cloud of electrons. Benzene is insolunle in water. This is due to the symmetrical structure that leads to zero dipole moment and the molecule being non-polar. Benzene is used in the production of lubricants, resins, rubber, detergents, pesticides, plastics, etc.

What is Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₁₄H₁₂O₃. Oxybenzone has a molar mass of 228.24 g/mol. The melting point of oxybenzone is 65.5 °C, whereas the melting point of oxybenzone is 151 °C. It is a hydroxybenzophenone that has a benzophenone structure with hydroxy and methoxy groups substituted at the 2- and 4-positions of one of the benzene rings. Furthermore, its IUPAC name is (2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-phenylmethanone). Oxybenzones belong to the class of benzophenones, an aromatic class of ketones. It is a colourless solid existing in crystal form and is also soluble in many organic solvents. In addition, it is almost odourless.

Figure 2: Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in sunscreen as it absorbs UV-A light. It is also useful as a chemical component in hair sprays, nail polishes, cosmetics, and fragrances. This chemical is absorbed into the skin when used over a longer period of time. This oxybenzone causes allergic skin reactions and behaves as an endocrine disruptor. Ozobenzene also damages the DNA of young coral reefs and disrupts their normal growth, affecting healthy reproduction and sometimes may even lead to death.

Difference Between Benzene and Oxybenzone

Definition

Benzene is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₆H_6, while oxybenzone is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₁₄H₁₂O₃.

Molar Mass

The molar mass of benzene is 78.11g/mol while the molar mass of oxybenzone is 228.24g/mol.

Melting and Boiling Points

The melting point and boiling points of benzene are 5.5°C and 80.1°C, respectively, while the melting point and boiling points of oxybenzone are 65.5°C and 151°C, respectively.

Uses

Benzene is used in the production of lubricants, resins, rubber, detergents, pesticides, plastics, etc. Oxybenzone is commonly used as an ingredient in sunscreen and is also used as a chemical component in hair sprays, nail polishes, cosmetics, and fragrances.

 Conclusion

Overall, organic compounds are compounds having carbon atoms on them. Benzene and oxybenzone are two such organic compounds with different properties. The main difference between benzene and oxybenzone is that oxybenzone is commonly used in sunscreens, whereas benzene is not generally used in any skincare products, including sunscreen.

Reference:

1. “Benzene.” PubChem. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information
2. “Oxybenzone.” DrugBank Online.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Benzene-6H-delocalized” By An elite – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Oxybenzone” By Fvasconcellos – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia