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Methyl benzoate

Also known as benzoic acid methyl ester, Methylbenzoate, Benzoic acid, methyl ester

Methyl benzoate chemical structure, C8H8O2, CAS 93-58-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Colorless, transparent liquid
Melting point
-12.3 °C
Boiling point
199 °C
Density
1.0837 g/cm³ at 25 °C
Flash point
83 °C
HS code
291631
Category
Impurities and reference standards
Illustrative photo, an amber glass solvent bottle with clear liquid on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Methyl benzoate?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Methyl benzoate is a benzoate ester obtained by condensation of benzoic acid and methanol. It has a role as an insect attractant and a metabolite. It is a methyl ester and a benzoate ester.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
methyl benzoate
CAS number
93-58-3 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
202-259-7
Molecular formula
C8H8O2
UNII
6618K1VJ9T
MDL number
MFCD00008421
INCI name
METHYL BENZOATE
InChIKey
QPJVMBTYPHYUOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C8H8O2/c1-10-8(9)7-5-3-2-4-6-7/h2-6H,1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
COC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1

Synonyms

  • benzoic acid methyl ester
  • Methylbenzoate
  • Benzoic acid, methyl ester
  • Clorius
  • Methyl benzenecarboxylate
  • Essence of niobe
  • Methylester kyseliny benzoove
  • Oxidate le
  • Benzoic acid-methyl ester
  • Methyl ester of benzoic acid
  • Methyl benzoate (natural)
  • methyloxycarbonylbenzene
  • Clorius-
  • benzoic acid methylester
  • Methyl benzoate, 99%
  • Methyl benzoate, >=99% (GC)
  • Methyl benzoate, analytical standard
  • Methyl benzoate, >=98%, FCC, FG
  • UN 2938
  • Methyl benzoate, for synthesis, 98.0%
  • Intedanib Impurity 7, Guaiacol EP Impurity E
  • Methyl benzoate, natural, >=98%, FCC, FG
  • Methyl benzoate Solution in Methanol, 100ug/mL
  • Methyl benzoate Solution in Methanol, 1000ug/mL
  • Methyl benzoate [UN2938] [Keep away from food]

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless, transparent liquidexp.
Odour
Fragrant odorexp.
Taste
FRUITY, NUTTY, WITH CHERRY TASTEexp.
Melting point
-12.3 °Cexp.
Boiling point
199 °Cexp.
Density
1.0837 g/cm³ at 25 °Cexp.
Flash point
83 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
542 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 2100 mg/L at 20 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
0.38 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
136.15 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
136.0524 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.47calc.
Topological polar surface area
26.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
10calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.13calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, c1ccccc1

c1ccccc1

1 ring, 6 atoms, the Benzene ring system.

485,677 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
210NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
Precautionary statements (5)
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Methyl benzoate suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

62 suppliers in 14 countries

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Methyl benzoate price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

In perfumes (Peau d'Espagne).

Perfumery, solvent for cellulose esters and ethers, resins, rubber, flavoring.

Dye carrier for dyeing polyester fibers, additive for disinfectants, soy sauce, and pesticides.

Reported uses (ppm):

Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 1994) [Table#5340].

Industrial uses: Fragrance, Intermediate, Intermediates.

Consumer uses: Fragrance.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name METHYL BENZOATE(skin conditioning - emollient, fragrance, preservative, solvent)

Roles

  • insect attractant
  • metabolite

Functional uses

  • Biocide
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Preservative
  • Softener and conditioner
  • Solvent

Cosmetic functions

  • Fragrance
  • Preservative
  • Skin conditioning - emollient
  • Solvent

How it is made

(1) By heating methanol and benzoic acid in presence of sulfuric acid, (2) passing dry hydrogen chloride through a solution of benzoic acid and methanol.

Methylbenzoate is prepared by the direct esterification of benzoic acid and methanol.

By heating benzoic acid and dimethyl sulfate to high temperature, or by exchange between ethyl benzoate and methanol in KOH solution.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Methyl benzoate is traded under.

HS 2916.31Indicative HS code

Benzoic acid, its salts and esters

World exports in 2024
$668M
+12.0% vs 2023, imports $664M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China30.7%
  2. Netherlands29.8%
  3. Estonia9.9%
Top importers
  1. United States14.7%
  2. Germany8.8%
  3. Brazil5.1%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Methyl benzoate is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Methyl benzoate, based on the data on this page

What is Methyl benzoate?

Methyl benzoate is a benzoate ester obtained by condensation of benzoic acid and methanol. It has a role as an insect attractant and a metabolite. It is a methyl ester and a benzoate ester.

What is the CAS number of Methyl benzoate?

The CAS registry number of Methyl benzoate is 93-58-3.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Methyl benzoate?

The molecular formula of Methyl benzoate is C8H8O2 and its molar mass is 136.15 g/mol.

What is Methyl benzoate used for?

In perfumes (Peau d'Espagne). Perfumery, solvent for cellulose esters and ethers, resins, rubber, flavoring. Dye carrier for dyeing polyester fibers, additive for disinfectants, soy sauce, and pesticides. Reported uses (ppm): Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 1994) [Table#5340].

Is Methyl benzoate hazardous?

Methyl benzoate carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Methyl benzoate?

Methyl benzoate is usually classified under HS code 291631 (Benzoic acid, its salts and esters). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Methyl benzoate?

CompoundList lists 62 suppliers of Methyl benzoate in China, United States, India, Germany and 10 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Methyl benzoate in India?

8 suppliers in India list Methyl benzoate on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Methyl benzoate?

Suppliers quote Methyl benzoate on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Methyl benzoate

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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