Showing chemical card for Methyl benzoate (CFc000015048)
Record Information
Version
1.0
Creation Date
2022-08-28 10:25:12 UTC
Update Date
2022-09-13 19:04:03 UTC
Chemfont ID
CFc000015048
Molecule Identification
Common Name
Methyl benzoate
Definition
Methyl benzoate is an ester with the chemical formula C6H5COOCH3. It is formed by the condensation of methanol and benzoic acid. It is a colorless to slightly yellow liquid that is insoluble with water, but miscible with most organic solvents. Methyl benzoate is found in allspice. Methyl benzoate is present in various flower oils, banana, cherry, pimento berry, ceriman (Monstera deliciosa), clove bud and stem, mustard, coffee, black tea, dill, starfruit and cherimoya (Annona cherimola). Methyl benzoate is used in flavourings. It is one of many compounds that is attractive to males of various species of orchid bees, who apparently gather the chemical to synthesize pheromones; it is commonly used as bait to attract and collect these bees for study.
