Methyl Salicylate

Wintergreen oil is derived from the leaves of the wintergreen plant, primarily Gaultheria procumbens. It has a characteristic sweet, minty scent reminiscent of the wintergreen flavor found in chewing gums, candies, and medicinal products. The oil is rich in methyl salicylate, which is responsible for its distinct aroma. Wintergreen oil is used in perfumery for its refreshing, uplifting scent and is also noted for its use in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent.

Used in perfumery to impart a sweet, minty, and refreshing aroma. It is also employed in aromatherapy for its soothing properties and in various products for its flavor.

IUPAC Name: methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
CAS Number: 119-36-8
Molecular Formula: C₈H₈O₃
Molecular Weight: 152.15 g/mol
Boiling Point: 223 °C (433.40 °F)
Melting Point: -8.6 °C (16.52 °F)
Class: Ester
Use/s: Scent
Synonyms
1: methyl salicylate 2: Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate 3: Analgit 4: 2-Carbomethoxyphenol 5: Gaultheriaoel 6: Wintergruenoel 7: Flucarmit 8: Exagien 9: 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester
Chemist Says
Methyl salicylate appears as colorless yellowish or reddish liquid with odor of wintergreen. (USCG, 1999)
Scent: Wintergreen
Scent profile
Scent profiles are inherently subjective and can significantly differ among individuals, and may also be influenced by the conditions at the time of evaluation. The information provided here is a synthesis of data from diverse sources, including books, cross-references, artificial intelligence analyses, and chemical research sites, aiming to present a comprehensive overview. We've distilled this information to highlight the most frequently observed scent profiles for each molecule or compound, offering a generalized perspective.

1: Sweet, Minty, Refreshing
2: Wintergreen, Minty, Slightly Sweet
3: Warm, Sweet, Fruity, Wintergreen Oil
4: LIQUID HAVING THE CHARACTERISTIC ODOR OF WINTERGREEN
5: Sweet, wintergreen-like, with a slightly medicinal character