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Methyl Salicylate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C8H8O3
CAS number
119-36-8
IUPAC name
methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
State
State

At room temperature, methyl salicylate is a liquid. It remains in liquid state between its melting point of -8.6°C and its boiling point of 222.2°C. It is important that it is stored in tightly sealed containers to prevent evaporation and to maintain its effectiveness and fragrance.

Melting point (Celsius)
-8.60
Melting point (Kelvin)
264.55
Boiling point (Celsius)
222.20
Boiling point (Kelvin)
495.35
General information
Molecular weight
152.15g/mol
Molar mass
152.1490g/mol
Density
1.1744g/cm3
Appearence

Methyl salicylate appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. It has a distinct, characteristic wintergreen odor and taste. The compound is often referred to as "oil of wintergreen" or "wintergreen oil" due to its natural occurrence in the wintergreen plant. It is slightly viscous and has a refractive index of approximately 1.535.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Methyl 2-Hydroxybenzoate (C8H8O3)

Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, commonly known as methyl salicylate, exhibits noteworthy solubility characteristics that are crucial for its applications in various fields. Understanding its solubility properties can aid in its effective use and manipulation:

  • Solvent Compatibility: Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate is known to be soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, and chloroform. This solubility in polar solvents enhances its usability in medicinal and cosmetic formulations.
  • Water Solubility: While it has limited solubility in water, the presence of the hydroxyl group contributes to a degree of polar character, allowing for some interaction. However, its overall solubility in water remains relatively low.
  • Temperature Effects: Solubility can generally improve with increasing temperature; hence, higher temperatures might promote better dissolution rates in suitable solvents.

As a rule of thumb, the *“like dissolves like”* principle often applies here, meaning that polar solvents are preferred for dissolving methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, while its solubility in nonpolar solvents is considerably limited. This information is particularly important for scientists and practitioners who intend to integrate this compound into solutions or mixtures.

In conclusion, while methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate is not highly soluble in water, its compatibility with organic solvents provides significant versatility for its various applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Methyl 2-Hydroxybenzoate

Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, commonly known as methyl salicylate, is a fascinating compound with diverse applications and unique properties. Here are some compelling facts about this compound:

  • Natural Occurrence: Methyl salicylate is found in various plants, particularly in the wintergreen oil derived from the leaves of the Gaultheria procumbens plant. This natural connection makes it a popular flavoring and fragrance agent.
  • Historical Use: Traditionally, it's been used in topical ointments for its analgesic properties. The soothing effect of methyl salicylate is often likened to that of menthol, providing a cooling sensation that can help alleviate muscle pain.
  • Flavor and Fragrance: This compound has a sweet, minty aroma and is widely used in the cosmetic industry, particularly in products like lotions and creams. It is also used as a flavoring agent in products such as chewing gum and candy.
  • Laboratory Applications: In organic chemistry, methyl salicylate serves as a useful intermediate and reagent in various syntheses, as well as in the production of other complex molecules.
  • Ecological Indicator: Interestingly, methyl salicylate is sometimes used as an indicator in studies of plant ecology, as it plays a role in the signaling of plant responses to herbivory.

In conclusion, methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate is not just a simple ester but a multifaceted compound with rich connections to nature, industry, and scientific research. Its varied uses in health, cosmetics, and studies of ecological interactions make it a subject of intriguing exploration in both academic and commercial pursuits.

Synonyms
methyl salicylate
Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
119-36-8
Analgit
Gaultheriaoel
Wintergruenoel
Flucarmit
Exagien
2-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester
2-Carbomethoxyphenol
Methyl o-hydroxybenzoate
Betula
2-(Methoxycarbonyl)phenol
BIRCH-ME
methylsalicylate
Betula Lenta
Salicylic acid, methyl ester
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, methyl ester
FEMA No. 2745
PredaLure
Caswell No. 577
Oils,wintergreen
Anthrapole ND
NSC 8204
o-Hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl ester
FEMA Number 2745
Flavor,wintergreen
MFCD00002214
Ben Gay
Salicylic Acid Methyl Ester
90045-28-6
Metylester kyseliny salicylove
CCRIS 6259
HSDB 1935
NSC-8204
2-Hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl ester
EINECS 204-317-7
Methyl salicylate
UNII-LAV5U5022Y
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 076601
BRN 0971516
FEMA No. 2154
FEMA No. 3113
1-O-methylsalicylate
LAV5U5022Y
DTXSID5025659
CHEBI:31832
AI3-00090
salicylate methyl ester
2-Hydroxy-benzoic acid methyl ester
Methyl salicylate,synthetic
DTXCID805659
EC 204-317-7
302912-49-8
4-10-00-00143 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
135952-76-0
8024-54-2
NCGC00091106-02
SALONPAS COMPONENT METHYL SALICYLATE
Methyl2-Hydroxybenzoate
METHYL SALICYLATE (II)
METHYL SALICYLATE [II]
METHYL SALICYLATE (MART.)
METHYL SALICYLATE [MART.]
Panalgesic
Theragesic
2,4-Cyclohexadien-1-one,6-(hydroxymethoxymethylene)-(9CI)
METHYL SALICYLATE (USP-RS)
METHYL SALICYLATE [USP-RS]
Methyl salicylate [JAN]
METHYL SALICYLATE (EP IMPURITY)
METHYL SALICYLATE [EP IMPURITY]
METHYL SALICYLATE (EP MONOGRAPH)
Methyl salicylate (natural)
METHYL SALICYLATE [EP MONOGRAPH]
CAS-119-36-8
Benzoic acid, hydroxy-, methyl ester
Metylester kyseliny salicylove [Czech]
Methylester kyseliny salicylove [Czech]
Wintergreen
Methyl salicylate [JAN:NF]
Milagroso
Ubredol
Kofal
Methylester kyseliny salicylove
Kofal Original
Kofal Fuerte
methyl-salicylate
Zenol Cool
Bumooly-S
Methylis salicylas
Ted s Pain
Hyundai Moolpas F
FlexSport Roll On
La Flecha Japonesa
Germa Ubre Mastitis
Ling Nam Hung Far
Koong Yick Hung Fa
Mascura la Vaca Plus
Natralia Cramp Relief
1335435-40-9
Aspi-RubPain Reliever
ReLeaf Arthritis Balm
Salonpas (Salt/Mix)
Methyl Salicylate 2%
XCEPTOR PAIN
Balsamo de UbreMascura
teds topical pain cream
Methyl Salicylate,(S)
Theragesic (Salt/Mix)
wintergreen leaf extract
Balsamo de Vaca Mascura
Methyl salicylate (TN)
Methyl Salicylate 10%
Methyl salicylate, 8CI
methyl-2-hydroxybenzoate
East Coast Joint Relief
Enamine_001611
Methyl salicylate, 98%
KRONA WART REMOVER
Abejas y Viboras Roll On
Germa Linimento Ubre Plus
Methyl salicylate, BioXtra
salicylic-acid methyl ester
WLN: QR BVO1
COATS ALOE ANALGESIC
WINTERGREEN [VANDF]
SCHEMBL5312
Methyl salicylate 100 microg/mL in Acetonitrile
Dermaline 3 in 1 Roll On
Methyl Salicylate (Standard)
BIDD:ER0323
XCEPTOR CBD PAINMENTHOL
HYSAN HUA TUO MEDICATED
METHYL SALICYLATE [MI]
METHYL SALICYLATE, ALOE
CHEMBL108545
GTPL2431
Herb Street Sore Muscle Relief
Methyl salicylate (JP17/NF)
METHYL SALICYLATE [FCC]
Germa Manteca Ubre Plus (RED)
Germa Manteca Ubre Plus (TIN)
METHYL SALICYLATE [FHFI]
METHYL SALICYLATE [HSDB]
FEMA 2745
HY-Y0189R
METHYL SALICYLATE [VANDF]
NSC8204
HMS1398J05
HMS2089H12
HMS3885C04
O-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester
METHYL SALICYLATE [WHO-DD]
BCP29151
CS-B1799
Flexitol Foot and Knee Pain Relief
Germa Manteca Ubre Plus (YELLOW)
HY-Y0189
Methyl salicylate EP / USP / NF
Methyl ester 2-hydroxy-benzoic acid
Tox21_111081
Tox21_201543
Tox21_300137
BBL010504
s3756
STK397388
Germa Linimento Ubre Plus (Roll-On)
Methyl salicylate, analytical standard
AKOS000118977
Neuro Max Pain and Muscle Relief Gel
Veneno de AbejaAceite De Vibora Brand
CCG-266225
DB09543
FM02407
Methyl ester of 2-hydroxy-benzoic acid
METHYL SALICYLATE [ORANGE BOOK]
foot worksarthritis achy foot and muscle
Methyl salicylate, >=98%, FCC, FG
NCGC00091106-01
NCGC00091106-03
NCGC00091106-04
NCGC00091106-05
NCGC00254104-01
NCGC00259093-01
SUNSET PAIN RELIEF-HEATING RELIEF
AC-11584
SY008800
TS-02010
METHYL SALICYLATE,SYNTHETIC [VANDF]
DB-012808
DB-209477
Methyl salicylate, natural, 98%, FCC, FG
NS00008765
EN300-15491
METHYL SALICYLATE COMPONENT OF SALONPAS
Methyl salicylate, puriss., 99.0-100.5%
D01087
D70335
Methyl salicylate, SAJ first grade, >=98.0%
Methyl salicylate, tested according to Ph.Eur.
AB01275470-01
Methyl salicylate, ReagentPlus(R), >=99% (GC)
Methyl salicylate, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 99%
Q407669
SR-05000001473
SR-05000001473-1
BRD-K10103010-001-01-1
Z19703590
F0001-0306
InChI=1/C8H8O3/c1-11-8(10)6-4-2-3-5-7(6)9/h2-5,9H,1H
Methyl salicylate, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
Methyl salicylate, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
204-317-7
9041-28-5