Methyl Salicylate – Manufacturer, Supplier & Exporter | DPRJ Universal

What is the primary use of Methyl Salicylate?

The primary industrial and pharmaceutical use of Methyl Salicylate is as a counter-irritant and analgesic active ingredient in topical over-the-counter pain relief products like methyl salicylate ointment, methyl salicylate cream, gel, and liniments. It is also widely used as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, oral care products, and as an industrial fragrance or intermediate.

What is the molecular weight and chemical formula of Methyl Salicylate?

The chemical formula for Methyl Salicylate is C₈H₈O₃ (methyl salicylate molecular formula). The methyl salicylate molecular weight (or molar mass) is approximately 152.15 g/mol.

How is Methyl Salicylate prepared or synthesized industrially?

The industrial methyl salicylate preparation or synthesis is performed through the esterification of Salicylic Acid with Methanol. This process involves reacting salicylic acid and excess methanol in the presence of an acid catalyst, typically concentrated Sulfuric Acid, under carefully controlled heating to ensure high yield, purity, and the characteristic wintergreen smell.

What is the Methyl Salicylate structure and is it aromatic?

The methyl salicylate structure consists of a benzene ring bonded to both a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a methyl ester group (-COOCH3) on adjacent carbons (ortho position). Yes, because it contains a stable, six-carbon ring structure with delocalized pi electrons, the Methyl Salicylate structure is classified as an aromatic ester.

How is Methyl Salicylate used in ointments, creams, and gels?

In pharmaceuticals, Methyl Salicylate acts as a powerful topical analgesic. It is frequently combined with other cooling and warming agents to formulate highly effective pain-relief products such as methyl salicylate menthol camphor cream, methyl salicylate ointment uses, and topical gels. It penetrates the skin to cause a warming sensation that distracts from deeper muscle and joint aches.

What are the key physical properties, such as boiling point and density?

Key physical properties of high-purity Methyl Salicylate include a methyl salicylate boiling point of approximately 222 C and a density of 1.174 g/mL at 25 C. The methyl salicylate appearance is a clear, colorless to pale yellow, oily liquid with a distinct, sweet minty odor.

What is the common name or trade name for Methyl Salicylate?

The most famous methyl salicylate common name is oil of wintergreen or wintergreen oil, as it was originally extracted from wintergreen plants. Today, it is almost exclusively produced synthetically for commercial and pharmaceutical applications under its IUPAC name or pharmacopeia standards like methyl salicylate ip.

Is Methyl Salicylate hazardous and what are the handling precautions?

Yes, concentrated Methyl Salicylate is toxic if swallowed or ingested in large amounts, and can cause irritation if contact is prolonged. Handling as a bulk chemical requires strict adherence to safety protocols, including wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring adequate ventilation, and following the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

What are the storage conditions for Methyl Salicylate?

Methyl Salicylate should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials. It should be kept in tightly closed containers to prevent contamination and degradation.