Description
Ethyl benzoate is a colorless, fragrant liquid ester with a sweet, fruity aroma resembling wintergreen. It offers excellent solvency, moderate evaporation rate, and good compatibility with many organic compounds. Due to its pleasant scent and performance, industries widely use it in fragrances, flavors, solvents, and resins.
It works well in perfumes, air fresheners, and essential oil blends. Additionally, manufacturers use it as a flavoring additive in food and beverages in trace amounts. In industrial settings, ethyl benzoate serves as a solvent for resins, cellulose esters, and dyes.
Its low toxicity and biodegradability make it suitable for environmentally friendly formulations. Furthermore, it is stable, non-corrosive, and effective in both polar and nonpolar systems.
Chemical Properties
Chemical Name: Ethyl Benzoate
Synonyms: Benzoic acid ethyl ester, Benzenecarboxylic acid ethyl ester
Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₀O₂
Molecular Weight: 150.17 g/mol
CAS Number: 93-89-0
EC Number: 202-284-3
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Sweet, fruity (resembling wintergreen)
Density: ~1.05 g/cm³
Boiling Point: 211–213°C
Flash Point: 96°C
Solubility: Soluble in alcohols, ethers, and most organic solvents; slightly soluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Low (approx. 0.3 mmHg at 25°C)
Applications
Fragrance Industry: Used in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetic products.
Flavoring Agent: Adds fruity notes to food and beverage products.
Solvent: Dissolves resins, dyes, and plastics in coatings and adhesives.
Essential Oil Blending: Acts as a fragrance carrier or fixative.
Chemical Intermediate: Used in organic synthesis for specialty compounds.
Industries of Use
Perfumery and Personal Care:
Ethyl benzoate brings soft floral and fruity notes to fragrance compositions. It also fixes and stabilizes volatile ingredients.
Food and Beverage Industry:
Food formulators use it in trace amounts to replicate fruity, berry, or wintergreen-like flavors. It is approved as a food additive in many countries.
Industrial Coatings and Solvents:
The compound dissolves alkyd resins, dyes, and certain polymers. It enhances flow and leveling in high-performance coatings.
Cleaning and Household Products:
Manufacturers include it in scented surface cleaners and air fresheners to add perfume stability and solvency.
Chemical Formulation:
It acts as a non-reactive carrier for active ingredients in custom chemical blends.
Storage Conditions
Store in tightly closed containers away from heat, flame, and direct sunlight.
Ensure proper ventilation in storage and use areas.
Use explosion-proof equipment where necessary.
Ideal storage temperature: 5–30°C
Shelf life: 12 months under recommended storage conditions.
Packaging
20 L HDPE drum
200 L HDPE barrel
Packaging complies with international chemical transport standards. Each container is labeled with product name, CAS number, batch code, and hazard symbols.
Safety & Handling
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Wear appropriate protective gloves and goggles.
Use only in well-ventilated areas.
Do not inhale vapors.
Handle away from ignition sources.
Dispose of waste according to local environmental regulations.
