MOLECULE

Methyl benzoate

Methyl benzoate belongs to the class of organic compounds known as benzoic acid esters. Methyl benzoate is an ester with the chemical formula C6H5COOCH3. It is formed by the esterification of the carboxyl group in benzoic acid with methanol. It is a colorless to slightly yellow liquid that is immiscible with water but miscible with most organic solvents. Methyl benzoate is used as a flavouring agent. Methyl benzoate has been found in allspice, banana, cherry, pimento berry, ceriman (Monstera deliciosa), clove, mustard, coffee, black tea, dill, starfruit and cherimoya (Annona cherimola). Methyl benzoate has been reported to be a volatile component in cannabis samples (PMID: 26657499). 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 (PMID: 12647866).