Tags: Chemical Compound, Chemical Substance.
Benzoin (/ˈbɛnzoʊ.ɨn/ or /-ɔɪn/) is an organic compound with the formula PhCH(OH)C(O)Ph. It is a hydroxy ketone attached to two phenyl groups. It appears as off-white crystals with a light camphor-like odor. Benzoin is synthesized from benzaldehyde in the benzoin condensation. It is chiral and it exists as a pair of enantiomers: (R)-benzoin and (S)-benzoin.Benzoin is not a constituent of benzoin resin obtained from the benzoin tree (Styrax) or tincture of benzoin.