Methyl salicylate
Description
Methyl salicylate (CAS 119-36-8), also sold as wintergreen oil, teaberry oil, and sweet birch oil, is a naturally occurring ester produced both by extraction and synthesis.
It functions as a flavoring agent, fragrance ingredient, UV absorber, and biocidal component across a broad range of industrial and consumer product formulations for various sectors.
In food and beverage manufacturing, it delivers the characteristic wintergreen flavor to confectionery, chewing gum, and oral care products under FEMA 2745 for global distribution.
Topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulators use it as a counterirritant active and fragrance fixative in muscle rubs, liniments, and analgesic creams for pain relief applications.
Coatings and ink manufacturers incorporate it as a UV stabilizer and solvent carrier, where its absorption profile helps protect substrates from photodegradation and environmental wear.
In adhesives and sealant systems, it also contributes antimicrobial preservation, extending shelf life in moisture-sensitive formulations and preventing degradation during long-term storage.
Methyl salicylate is supplied as a clear, mobile liquid in drum and IBC quantities. Food-grade material meeting FCC and FEMA specifications is standard for flavor and oral care applications.
Pharmaceutical-grade product conforming to USP and BP monographs is available for regulated topical formulations, ensuring compliance with strict international quality standards.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -8.6 °C |
| Boiling Point | 220-224 °C |
| Density | 1.184 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C |
| Flash Point | 226 °F |
| Appearance | colourless liquid with an odour of wintergreen |
| Color | Clear colorless to pale yellow |
| Odor | at 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol. wintergreen mint |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 0.07 g/100 mL (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mm Hg ( 54 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.536(lit.) |
| Log P | 2.55 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29182300 |
| Storage Class | 10 - Combustible liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Documentation
Other Names
Teaberry oil|Sweet birch oil|Spicewood Oil|Oil of wintergreen|O-Hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl ester|Natural wintergreen oil|Methyl salicylate, 8CI|Methyl o-hydroxybenzoate
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