Benzyl acetate

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Benzyl acetate
IUPAC name Benzyl acetate
Molecular formula C6H5CH2OCOCH3
Molar mass 150.18 g/mol
CAS number [140-11-4]
Density 1.054 g/ml
Melting point

−51 °C

Boiling point

212 °C

SMILES c1ccccc1COC(=O)C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Benzyl acetate (CAS number 140-11-4) is an organic compound with the molecular formula C9H10O2. It is the ester formed by condensation of benzyl alcohol and acetic acid.

Benzyl acetate is found naturally in many flowers. It is the primary constituent of the essential oils from the flowers jasmine, ylang-ylang and tobira. It has pleasant sweet aroma reminiscent of jasmine. Consequently, it is used widely in perfumery and cosmetics for its aroma and in flavorings to impart apple and pear flavors.

It is one of many compounds that is attractive to males of various species of orchid bees, who apparently gather the chemical to synthesize pheromones; it is commonly used as bait to attract and collect these bees for study. [1]

Benzyl acetate is also used as a solvent in plastics and resin, cellulose acetate, nitrate, oils, lacquers, polishes and inks.

[edit] References

  1. ^ [1]Schiestl, F.P. & Roubik, D.W. (2004) Odor Compound Detection in Male Euglossine Bees. Journal of Chemical Ecology 29: 253-257.

[edit] External links