Methyl benzoate, a versatile aromatic ester with the CAS number provided, is widely recognized for its significant roles within industrial and scientific sectors. This compound is characterized by its well-established molecular formula, molecular weight, and IUPAC name, ensuring precise and unambiguous identification. Its InChIKey serves as a reliable digital fingerprint, simplifying database searches and regulatory referencing. Methyl benzoate is typically classified as an intermediate and reagent, owing to its broad utility across manufacturing settings—most notably in the production of polymers and fragrances.
Examining the physical and chemical specifications of methyl benzoate reveals important details that inform its safe handling and effective use in manufacturing workflows. Such information encompasses key physical properties, including melting and boiling points, density, flash point, and vapor pressure, all of which are central to determining suitable process conditions. These characteristics also form the basis for proper risk assessment in line with established chemical safety protocols.
On the regulatory front, methyl benzoate holds registrations and designations across multiple international frameworks, reinforcing its suitability for industrial and commercial deployment. Under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), the substance’s status, associated article numbers, and respective tonnage bands are clearly defined to facilitate compliance throughout the EU market. Furthermore, its listing on the TSCA Inventory according to Section 8(b) of the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act assures suppliers and downstream users of its lawful use in the United States. If applicable, ICH guideline coverage—including the full revision code and specific permitted levels—provides clarity for pharmaceutical manufacturers, while adherence to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) details hazard classifications, H-phrases, and signal words for occupational safety. Pharmacopeia chapter references further indicate its acceptance in regulated compendial contexts, and if available, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) PEL and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) REL values offer benchmark exposure limits for workplace environments.
In applied settings, methyl benzoate finds frequent use as a key intermediate in both polymer and fragrance manufacturing processes. In the context of polymers, it may serve as a reactive diluent or process aid, helping to control molecular architecture and impart desired physical properties in specialty plastics and resins. This compound is equally prized in the fragrance sector, where its distinct odor profile contributes to high-value perfumes and flavor formulations. Its utility as an intermediate may also extend to the chemical synthesis of selected pharmaceutical agents, where it participates in key transformation steps of certain drug manufacturing routes. However, its main value remains as a process chemical rather than an end-use therapeutic.
For handling and distribution, methyl benzoate is typically available in industry-standard volumes such as 25-kilogram drums, 200-kilogram drums, and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), providing flexibility for operations of varying scale. Recommended storage conditions generally align with those for stable organic esters: it should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from sources of ignition or direct sunlight, following the stability and hazard insights drawn from GHS documentation. The industry standard shelf life for methyl esters commonly ranges from one to two years when unopened and stored under optimal conditions, although users should always consult the supplier for product-specific advice.
For further reference and validation of the information provided here, authoritative sources include PubChem, the NIST Chemistry WebBook, the ECHA database, and the EPA TSCA Inventory. These resources offer a comprehensive foundation for regulatory, scientific, and technical details on methyl benzoate and its varied industrial applications.
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