M

Methyl salicylate

IUPAC: methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate

C8H8O3 Organic Compounds CAS 119-36-8
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC8H8O3
CAS Number119-36-8
Molecular Weight152.15
Melting Point16.5 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point432 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.174 (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMethyl salicylate appears as colorless yellowish or reddish liquid with odor of wintergreen. (USCG, 1999)
Also Known Asmethyl 2-hydroxybenzoate; Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate; 119-36-8; Analgit; Flucarmit; Exagien; Betula; 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester; Gaultheriaoel; Wintergruenoel
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Methyl salicylate?

Methyl salicylate is a benzoate ester that is the methyl ester of salicylic acid. It has a role as an insect attractant, a metabolite and a flavouring agent. It is a methyl ester, a member of salicylates and a benzoate ester. It is functionally related to a salicylic acid.

Formula & Notation

C8H8O3

IUPAC Name: methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate

Other Names / Synonyms: methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate; Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate; 119-36-8; Analgit; Flucarmit; Exagien; Betula; 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester; Gaultheriaoel; Wintergruenoel

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Methyl salicylate appears as colorless yellowish or reddish liquid with odor of wintergreen. (USCG, 1999). Molecular formula: C8H8O3. Molecular weight: 152.15 g/mol. Boiling point: 432 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 16.5 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.174 (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.0975 mmHg at 68 °F ; 1 mmHg at 129 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 2.3.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point16.5 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point432 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.174 (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight152.15
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMethyl salicylate appears as colorless yellowish or reddish liquid with odor of wintergreen. (USCG, 1999)

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Methyl salicylate
Formula C8H8O3
CAS Number 119-36-8
Molecular Weight 152.15
Synonyms methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate; Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate; 119-36-8; Analgit; Flucarmit; Exagien; Betula; 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester; Gaultheriaoel; Wintergruenoel

Frequently Asked Questions

Methyl salicylate is a benzoate ester that is the methyl ester of salicylic acid. It has a role as an insect attractant, a metabolite and a flavouring agent. It is a methyl ester, a member of salicylates and a benzoate ester. It is functionally related to a salicylic acid.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.