Methyl Benzoate

Methyl benzoate is the esterification product of benzoic acid and methanol. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow, transparent oily liquid and possesses a rich floral aroma, a wintergreen scent, and fruity notes reminiscent of cherry or tuberose. It is miscible with methanol, ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, ethyl acetate, and aromatic hydrocarbons (such as S-100). It is stable under dry conditions at room temperature and does not undergo spontaneous polymerization; upon combustion, it decomposes to release CO and CO₂.

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Product Introduction

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Basic physical properties

Appearance: Methyl benzoate is a colorless to pale yellow, transparent, oily liquid.; possesses a rich floral aroma, wintergreen notes, and cherry/tuberose-like fruity notes.
Melting point: -12.3°C (some literature cites -14.5°C).
Boiling point: 198–199.5°C (atmospheric pressure).
Density: 1.088 g/mL (20°C; heavier than water).
Refractive index: n²⁰_D 1.516–1.517.
Flash point: 77°C (PM closed cup) / also reported as 82–83°C (depending on the closed-cup method); classified as a combustible liquid, not a low-flash-point flammable liquid.
Vapor pressure: Approx. 0.38 mmHg (25°C), 0.13 kPa (39°C); volatilizes slowly at room temperature.
Vapor density: 4.68 (air = 1); heavier than air.
Solubility: Approx. 1.9–2.1 g/L in water (20°C), sparingly soluble; miscible with methanol, ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, ethyl acetate, and aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., S-100).

Primary Uses

Fragrances and Flavors: Methyl benzoate is used to formulate tuberose, ylang-ylang, cherry, strawberry, and brandy fragrance notes in soaps, detergents, and cosmetics (FEMA GRAS; also suitable for food flavoring).
Solvent: High-boiling aromatic ester solvent for cellulose esters/ethers, resins, and rubber; offers slow-drying and leveling properties.
Organic Synthesis Intermediate: Benzoylating agent (precursor for reactions with Grignard or organolithium reagents); building block for pharmaceuticals and dyes; classic educational reagent (experiments on esterification, saponification, and nitration orientation).
Natural Occurrence: Naturally occurring component in the volatile oils of guava, kiwifruit, mango, and snapdragon flowers.

Safety and Toxicology

Acute toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ in rats is 1177 mg/kg (low toxicity; not highly toxic); in mice, 3330 mg/kg.
GHS: H302 (Harmful if swallowed), H361d (Suspected of damaging the unborn child), H315/H319 (Skin/eye irritation); Signal word: Warning.
Exposure: Vapors irritate eyes and respiratory tract; liquid irritates skin (mild irritation in rabbits); prolonged contact may cause defatting and sensitization.
Fire/Explosion: Combustible; explosive limits approx. 8.6%–20% (v/v); auto-ignition temperature 542°C; extinguish with foam, dry powder, CO₂, or sand/earth.
Protection: Handle in a fume hood; wear safety goggles, nitrile gloves, and a half-face respirator (with organic vapor cartridge); UN 2938 (or hazardous chemical code 61624); manage according to Class 6.1, PG III protocols; store separately from food and oxidizing agents.
Storage/Transport: Methyl benzoate should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area (≤35°C); keep the container tightly sealed and protected from light; and keep away from alkaline substances and oxidizing agents.