methyl salicylate

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methyl salicylate

chemical compound

Also known as: methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate

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June 30, 2026

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Methyl salicylate is a chemical compound that is the methyl ester of salicylic acid. It is widely found in nature and is the primary component of oil of wintergreen. This compound is synthesized by esterifying salicylic acid with methanol in the presence of an acid catalyst.1

Methyl salicylate is used as a flavoring agent. It is also a liquid with a lasting, pleasant odor, making it an ingredient in perfumes and soaps. The term "salicyl-" in chemistry refers to compounds related to salicylic acid.123

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carboxylic acid
Aromatic acids
In methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), the COOH group of salicylic acid is esterified with methanol (CH₃OH), whereas in acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) the acid component of the ester is acetic acid, and salicylic acid contributes the phenolic ―OH group.
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In methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), the COOH group of salicylic acid is esterified with methanol (CH₃OH), whereas in acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) the acid component of the ester is acetic acid, and salicylic acid contributes the phenolic ―OH group.
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phenol
Natural sources of phenols
…isolated from vanilla beans, and methyl salicylate, which has a characteristic minty taste and odour, is isolated from wintergreen. Other phenols obtained from plants include thymol, isolated from thyme, and eugenol, isolated from cloves.
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…isolated from vanilla beans, and methyl salicylate, which has a characteristic minty taste and odour, is isolated from wintergreen. Other phenols obtained from plants include thymol, isolated from thyme, and eugenol, isolated from cloves.
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salicylic acid
…of an acid catalyst gives methyl salicylate, synthetic oil of wintergreen, which is used as a flavouring agent. Treatment of salicylic acid with phenol gives phenyl salicylate, which is used for sunburn creams and enteric-coated pills and to make salicylanilide for use as a fungicide and mildew preventive. Salicylic acid…
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…of an acid catalyst gives methyl salicylate, synthetic oil of wintergreen, which is used as a flavouring agent. Treatment of salicylic acid with phenol gives phenyl salicylate, which is used for sunburn creams and enteric-coated pills and to make salicylanilide for use as a fungicide and mildew preventive. Salicylic acid…
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