Process for the preparation of benzyl alcohol via hydrolysis of a benzyl ester with water in the liquid phase, the hydrolysis being carried out in the absence of a strong acid and a base at a temperature between 40.degree. C. and 320.degree. C. The benzyl ester to be hydrolyzed can be chosen from the group comprising benzyl formiate, benzyl propionate, benzyl acetate and benzyl benzoate. A weak acid may optionally be added to the reaction mixture to be hydrolyzed. After the hydrolysis the reaction mixture is preferably cooled to a temperature between 80.degree. C. and 180.degree. C. so that a phase separation takes place. Both the organic phase and the aqueous phase can be upgraded. As such, benzyl alcohol can be obtained with a high overall yield and a purity of more than 98%.

The invention provides processes for treating commercial grade preservatives to remove the off-flavor and/or off-odor from the preservatives. The processes involve preparing a solution by dissolving the preservative in a suitable solvent, such as water or methanol or mixtures thereof. The preservative solution is then passed through a filter to separate and remove organic acid impurities from the preservative. The undesirable tastes and odors, principally caused by the organic acid impurities, are retained in the filter while the preservative passes through the filter. In one embodiment, the filter is a bed of anion exchange resin that reacts with and removes the organic acid impurities. In another embodiment, the filter contains a metal cation that converts the organic acid impurities into insoluble salts which remain in the filter. The solvent can be removed by evaporation after the preservative solution is passed through the filter.