Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen or wintergreen oil) is an organic ester naturally produced by many species of plants, particularly wintergreens. The compound was first extracted and isolated from plant species Gaultheria procumbens in 1843. It can be manufactured synthetically and it used as a fragrance, in foods, beverages, and liniments. It forms a colorless to yellow or reddish liquid and exhibits a characteristic odor and taste of wintergreen. For acute joint and muscular pain, methyl salicylate is used as a rubefacient and analgesic in deep heating liniments. It is used as a flavoring agent in chewing gums and mints in small concentrations and added as antiseptic in mouthwash solutions.
CAS No.
119-36-8
Formula
C8H8O3
Molecular Mass
152.14700
Exact Mass
152.04700
PSA
46.53000
Logp
1.17880
IUPAC
methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
Attribute classification
Matter Classification
organic
Category
Chemical and Physical Properties
Melting Point
-8 °C
Density
1.182
Boiling Point
222 °C(lit.)
Flash Point
226 °F
Appearance
Methyl salicylate appears as colorless yellowish or reddish liquid with odor of wintergreen.
Manufacturing
