Methyl benzoate
CAS 93-58-3
EC 202-259-7
Formula C8H8O2
MW 136.15 g/mol
Flavors & Fragrances Personal Care & CosmeticsPharmaceuticals & HealthcarePrinting & PackagingFood & NutritionPlastics & Polymers CatalysisPreservation & BiocideSolvent & CarrierUV Protection & StabilizationFlavoring & Acidulant
Description
Methyl benzoate (CAS 93-58-3) is an aromatic ester occurring naturally in several essential oils, commercially known under names including Niobe oil and FEMA 2683. It carries no assigned E-code and is catalogued under EC 202-259-7. It belongs to the flavors and fragrances category with the molecular formula C8H8O2.
In personal care formulations, methyl benzoate functions as a preservative by disrupting microbial cell membranes at low concentrations. In UV-curable printing inks and coatings, it acts as a photoinitiator and reactive diluent, accelerating radical polymerization upon light exposure. In polymer processing, it serves as a catalyst carrier and solvent for resin systems.
Methyl benzoate is available in fragrance-grade and technical-grade forms, with food-contact material complying with FCC specifications where applicable. It falls under REACH regulation (HS code 29163100) and is subject to standard GHS classification requirements. Packaging is typically supplied in drums or IBCs depending on order volume.
In personal care formulations, methyl benzoate functions as a preservative by disrupting microbial cell membranes at low concentrations. In UV-curable printing inks and coatings, it acts as a photoinitiator and reactive diluent, accelerating radical polymerization upon light exposure. In polymer processing, it serves as a catalyst carrier and solvent for resin systems.
Methyl benzoate is available in fragrance-grade and technical-grade forms, with food-contact material complying with FCC specifications where applicable. It falls under REACH regulation (HS code 29163100) and is subject to standard GHS classification requirements. Packaging is typically supplied in drums or IBCs depending on order volume.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -12.3 °C |
| Boiling Point | 198-200 °C |
| Density | 1.094 g/cm³ @ Temp: 15 °C |
| Flash Point | 181 °F |
| Appearance | Methyl benzoate is a colorless, oily, transparent, liquid. Pleasant odor. |
| Color | Clear colorless to pale yellow |
| Odor | at 1.00 % in dipropylene glycol. phenolic wintergreen almond floral cananga |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | <0.1 g/100 mL at 22.5 ºC |
| Vapor Pressure | <1 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.516(lit.) |
| Log P | 2.12-2.2 at 20℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Warning GHS07
H
H227H302H402H412
P
P210P264P270P273P280P330P403P501P301+P317P370+P378
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29163100 |
| UN Number | 2938 |
| Storage Class | 10 - Combustible liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
CloriusNIOBE OILOIL OF NIOBEESSENCE OF NIOBERARECHEM AL BF 0531
Related Products
Raw Materials
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.