METHYL SALICYLATE (METHYL 2-HYDROXYBENZOATE)

CAS Number: 119-36-8.
EC Number: 204-317-7.
Molecular Formula: C8H8O3.
Molecular Weight: Approximately 152.15 g/mol.
INCI Name: METHYL SALICYLATE.
FEMA Number: 2745.
JECFA Flavor Number: 899; this is a flavoring identifier, not an E number.
Boiling Point: Approximately 222-224 degrees Celsius at ordinary atmospheric pressure in published reference information.
Melting Point: Approximately -9 to -7 degrees Celsius across published reference values.
Viscosity: Dynamic viscosity approximately 1.535 mPa.s at 25 degrees Celsius.
Density: Approximately 1.174 g/mL at 25 degrees Celsius in representative product information.

COMMON PRODUCT AND CHEMICAL NAMES

Methyl salicylate
Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
Methyl o-hydroxybenzoate
Salicylic acid methyl ester
Salicylic acid, methyl ester
2-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, methyl ester
2-(Methoxycarbonyl)phenol
2-Carbomethoxyphenol
Methylis salicylas
Synthetic wintergreen oil
Synthetic teaberry oil
Synthetic sweet birch oil

DESCRIPTION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Methyl salicylate is the methyl ester of salicylic acid. Esterification replaces the carboxylic acid's acidic hydroxyl with a methoxy group while leaving the phenolic hydroxyl attached to the aromatic ring.
The neutral methyl salicylate molecule has a defined elemental composition and molar mass. It is not a polymeric salicylate, a sodium salt or a mixture defined only by a broad botanical name.
Wintergreen terminology requires care. Synthetic wintergreen oil is an established name for methyl salicylate, whereas a natural wintergreen or sweet birch essential oil can contain additional constituents and requires its own botanical identity and compositional specification.
A high proportion of methyl salicylate in a natural oil does not automatically establish equivalence to a purified synthetic grade. Minor constituents, source documentation and the requirements of the intended use may distinguish the two materials.

The alternative name Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate describes the same ortho-substituted structure. Methyl 3-hydroxybenzoate and methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate are positional isomers, not interchangeable synonyms.
Methyl salicylate also differs from acetylsalicylic acid. The latter contains an acetylated phenolic group and a free carboxylic acid, so properties and therapeutic statements cannot be transferred between them by treating both as salicylates.
For commercial qualification, the exact chemical identity of methyl salicylate should be connected to a defined grade. A flavoring specification, pharmaceutical compendial specification and general laboratory reagent specification address different intended uses.

MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND CHEMICAL BEHAVIOR

The methyl salicylate molecule can be represented as HO-C6H4-C(=O)-OCH3 with the hydroxyl group ortho to the ester group. Its aromatic framework and ester functionality contribute to its behavior in organic media, while the hydroxyl and oxygen atoms provide polar interaction sites.
The adjacent hydroxyl and carbonyl groups of methyl salicylate permit intramolecular hydrogen bonding. This structural feature is relevant to molecular conformation and to comparisons with hydroxybenzoate esters having a different substitution pattern.
Methyl salicylate is electrically neutral in its ordinary molecular form. Its phenolic hydroxyl can react under sufficiently basic conditions, but a neutral neat ester should not be assigned the same acid-base behavior as an aqueous salicylic acid solution.
Methyl salicylate can undergo hydrolysis, giving salicylic acid and methanol under appropriate conditions. Alkaline hydrolysis can produce a salicylate salt, depending on the base and subsequent work-up.

Hydrolysis is relevant to synthesis, analytical procedures and formulation stability. It does not establish a universal shelf life or mean that every water-containing product degrades at the same rate.
The pronounced odor of methyl salicylate is a sensory property rather than a measure of assay. A recognizable wintergreen smell cannot establish the absence of impurities, dilution or deterioration.
Similarly, the ester structure does not make every salicylate ester equivalent in skin exposure, volatility or regulatory status. Changes to the alcohol portion or aromatic substitution can alter both technical behavior and the requirements for use.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

The values below combine published reference properties and explicitly identified specification examples. They are not a single release specification for every commercial grade supplied by Ataman Chemicals.
Physical State: Liquid at 20 degrees Celsius in representative manufacturer information.
Appearance: Typically a clear, colorless to light yellow liquid in commercial specifications. Broader safety references describe possible yellow-to-red coloration, which should not replace the appearance requirement for a selected grade.
Odor: Characteristic wintergreen odor. Odor quality should be checked against an appropriate reference where sensory performance matters.
Molecular Formula: C8H8O3.
Average Molar Mass: Approximately 152.15 g/mol.
Neutral Monoisotopic Mass: Approximately 152.0473 Da, calculated for the most abundant isotopes; this is not an average molecular weight or an ion-adduct mass.
Boiling Point: Approximately 222-224 degrees Celsius in published reference sources. Pressure and method should accompany a value used for process design or specification.
Melting or Freezing Region: Published values are approximately -9 to -7 degrees Celsius. Cold exposure near this region may affect physical handling.
Density: Approximately 1.174 g/mL at 25 degrees Celsius in representative product information. A mass-to-volume conversion should use a value appropriate to the actual temperature and grade.
Dynamic Viscosity: Approximately 1.535 mPa.s at 25 degrees Celsius. The same numerical value can be expressed as 1.535 cP.
Calculated Kinematic Viscosity: Approximately 1.31 mm2/s at 25 degrees Celsius when the stated dynamic viscosity is divided by the stated density. This is a calculation, not a separately verified kinematic-viscosity specification.
Refractive Index: A representative reference value is nD20 approximately 1.536, where the notation identifies the sodium D line and 20 degrees Celsius.
Water Solubility: One manufacturer reports approximately 0.7 g/L at 20 degrees Celsius, while an international safety reference reports approximately 0.74 g/L at 30 degrees Celsius. These indicate limited solubility rather than water miscibility.
Ethanol Compatibility: The flavoring specification describes miscibility with ethanol at room temperature.
Other Solvent Behavior: Published information describes solubility in organic solvents and oils. Compatibility must still be checked in the intended mixture rather than assumed for every solvent or oil.
Vapor Pressure: Approximately 13 Pa at 20 degrees Celsius in current safety information. This is approximately 0.098 mmHg by unit conversion.
Relative Vapor Density: Approximately 5.24-5.26 with air equal to 1 in reference information. Vapor behavior in a workplace also depends on ventilation, temperature and release conditions.
Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient: An international safety reference reports log Pow approximately 2.55. This is a partition descriptor, not a direct statement of safe exposure or environmental fate.
Flash Point: Published closed-cup values include approximately 96 and 101 degrees Celsius. Use the value and method on the actual product's safety documentation for operational decisions.
Autoignition Temperature: Published reference values are approximately 450-453 degrees Celsius. This is different from flash point and should not be used as a normal operating limit.
pH: A conventional aqueous pH is not assigned to the neat oil-compatible liquid. Any pH result for a dispersion or solution needs its composition and method.
Chemical Stability: Representative safety documentation describes stability under ordinary ambient conditions while identifying heat and light as conditions to control.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidants and strong bases are identified in safety information. The latter can also promote chemical transformation of the ester.
These data explain why temperature, water content and analytical method matter when comparing grades. Closely similar reference values do not remove the need for a current batch specification.

FLAVORING AND REAGENT SPECIFICATION EXAMPLES

A published international flavoring specification identifies methyl salicylate with JECFA number 899 and lists a minimum assay of 98%. It also lists an acid-value maximum of 2, an infrared identity test and refractive-index and specific-gravity criteria.
The refractive-index interval in that specification is 1.534-1.538 and the specific-gravity interval is 1.176-1.185. The full methods and applicable measurement conditions should be consulted before adopting these as purchasing acceptance criteria.
A separate representative laboratory grade specifies at least 99.0% by gas chromatography, an appearance of clear colorless to light yellow liquid and confirmation of structure by NMR. These criteria belong to that reagent example rather than defining all material sold under the CAS number.
An acid-value result provides information about free acidity under its analytical procedure. It is not a substitute for the chromatographic identity and assay of the ester.

Refractive index and density are useful screening measurements but are not complete purity tests. A mixture can sometimes meet a physical-property interval while failing an impurity or intended-use requirement.
Conversely, a high GC area percentage does not establish every aspect of pharmaceutical or flavoring suitability. Residual solvents, relevant impurities, source declarations and the required quality system may need separate documentation.
A purchase enquiry for methyl salicylate should therefore specify the intended use and required standard before setting an assay threshold. Increasing a nominal purity number alone does not establish that the selected material is the right grade.

APPLICATIONS IN FRAGRANCE COMPOSITIONS

The characteristic wintergreen note is a principal reason to use methyl salicylate in fragrance work. Its odor can contribute a recognizable mint-like, sweet aromatic character to a formulated perfume composition.
Selection is primarily sensory and application-dependent. The required contribution may be a distinct wintergreen identity or a smaller supporting note within a more complex blend.
The solubility of methyl salicylate in ethanol and compatibility with selected organic media support evaluation in fragrance concentrates. However, clarity and odor balance should also be checked after the concentrate is incorporated into the finished product.
Water, surfactants, oils and other fragrance ingredients can alter the appearance and release profile of the final system. A clear concentrate can become cloudy or separate after dilution if the formulation cannot accommodate the aromatic liquid.

The relatively high boiling point distinguishes it from very rapidly evaporating solvents, but a boiling point alone cannot predict fragrance longevity on skin, fabric or a surface. Finished-product testing remains necessary.
The selected grade of methyl salicylate should provide consistent odor quality as well as analytical conformity. A trace impurity can be commercially important in a fragrance even when the overall assay remains high.
Fragrance use also requires a safety assessment for the product category and market. Natural occurrence and a familiar odor do not establish unrestricted use or a universal acceptable concentration.

APPLICATIONS IN COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE

In cosmetics and personal care, methyl salicylate is relevant as a fragrance ingredient with a defined INCI name. Its function and exposure must be assessed within the complete finished product.
An oil-containing cream or lotion and a water-rich product present different incorporation problems. The first may accommodate the ester in its oil phase, while the second may require a suitable solubilizing or emulsifying system.
The result should be evaluated for uniform distribution, physical stability, odor consistency and compatibility with packaging. The liquid state of methyl salicylate itself does not guarantee that it will remain uniformly distributed in every aqueous cosmetic.
A wintergreen scent should not be presented as proof of a therapeutic effect in a cosmetic. Claims must remain appropriate to the product category and supported by the relevant evidence.

Cosmetic use is subject to category-specific and market-specific requirements. European scientific assessments have examined methyl salicylate exposure, including aggregate exposure and products intended for young children.
A scientific committee opinion and an enforceable regulatory condition have different roles. Current applicable rules, age restrictions and labeling requirements must be checked for the proposed product rather than inferred solely from an INCI listing.
A cosmetic enquiry should identify whether the product is rinse-off or leave-on, its intended users and the other sources of salicylate exposure within the formulation. Those details materially affect the qualification of the ingredient.

APPLICATIONS IN FLAVOR COMPOSITIONS

Methyl salicylate is identified in official food-substance information as a flavoring agent or adjuvant. The wintergreen character is the relevant sensory function, and the flavoring identifiers FEMA 2745 and JECFA 899 help connect the chemical identity with the appropriate reference records.
For a wintergreen-type flavor, methyl salicylate can be evaluated as part of a professionally formulated composition rather than as a raw liquid for direct consumption. The final use must comply with the requirements applicable to that food and market.
Flavor performance involves more than the odor of the neat material. The food matrix, other flavor ingredients and processing conditions affect the balance and persistence of the intended note.
An oil-compatible flavor concentrate may require an appropriate delivery system when added to a predominantly aqueous food. Limited water solubility makes dispersion and uniformity relevant to product development.

The required grade of methyl salicylate should be supported by the chosen flavoring specification and relevant documentation. A laboratory reagent with a high assay is not automatically qualified for use as a food ingredient.
No universal food addition rate is assigned here. The intended sensory level and legal suitability must be established for the complete flavor and finished food.
The use of the term flavoring does not remove the ingestion hazard of concentrated methyl salicylate. Safe handling of the raw material is a separate requirement from the assessment of a properly formulated food product.

APPLICATIONS IN ORAL-CARE FLAVOR SYSTEMS

Toothpaste and mouth-care products are documented exposure categories in assessments of methyl salicylate. Its contribution in these formulations can be associated with the flavor profile rather than an assumed antimicrobial or medicinal function.
Water content and the presence of surfactants, humectants, abrasives and other flavors can affect distribution and sensory release. A successful flavor concentrate must therefore be assessed in the actual oral-care base.
For a clear mouth-care liquid, clarity after dilution and during storage may be a useful development criterion. A product that is intentionally opaque still requires consistent distribution of its flavor ingredients.
Age group matters because use behavior and potential ingestion differ between adults and young children. The existence of an adult product containing methyl salicylate does not establish suitability of the same concentration in a children's product.
A 2025 European scientific opinion separately considered methyl salicylate exposure in products intended for children aged 0-3 years. This demonstrates the need to assess the intended population and aggregate exposure rather than use one general oral-care concentration.
No universal toothpaste or mouthwash dosage is proposed here. Product-specific safety assessment and current market requirements must determine the acceptable use.

APPLICATIONS IN TOPICAL COUNTERIRRITANT PRODUCTS

Methyl salicylate has a documented pharmaceutical role as a topical counterirritant. In this role it is an active ingredient in appropriately formulated external analgesic products rather than simply an odor component.
Counterirritant action involves stimulation at the skin surface in the context of temporary relief of minor muscle and joint discomfort. The relevant therapeutic claim belongs to the finished drug product and its applicable regulatory basis.
The reviewed United States external-analgesic monograph M017, posted on May 2, 2023, lists methyl salicylate at 10-60% among counterirritant active ingredients under its specified conditions. The cited provision excludes patch, plaster and poultice dosage forms; that range must not be treated as a general permission for every delivery system.

This regulatory range is not a formulation recommendation or instruction to apply the concentrated raw material. The complete product must meet its applicable formulation, labeling and other requirements.
A cream, ointment or liquid vehicle can influence distribution, skin exposure and the physical stability of the active. Solvent selection and combination with other ingredients therefore require pharmaceutical development and appropriate testing.
A pharmaceutical grade should meet the relevant current specification. A flavor or fragrance grade cannot be substituted solely because its CAS number and odor match.
Commercial enquiries for this application should identify the intended dosage form, target market and required compendial documentation. No universal manufacturing process, efficacy guarantee or patient-use schedule is inferred from the raw-material profile.

APPLICATIONS IN MICROSCOPY AND BOTANICAL CLEARING

Methyl salicylate is used in documented botanical clearing methods for prepared tissues such as floral structures and ovules. These methods seek to improve optical access to internal structures in specimens processed for microscopy.
The optical properties of methyl salicylate, including a refractive index near 1.536, make it relevant to evaluating clearing and mounting environments. The successful result depends on the prepared specimen and the full protocol, not refractive index alone.
Published botanical procedures include fixation and staged solvent treatments before the methyl salicylate step. The reagent should therefore be understood as part of a defined specimen-preparation sequence.

Clearing is different from preservation of every fluorescent label or microscopic feature. A method suitable for observing one structure may not preserve another signal or provide the same image quality in a thicker specimen.
For research use, solvent compatibility, optical clarity and reproducibility can be important grade criteria. A perfume or flavor specification may not address every requirement of a sensitive imaging procedure.
This specialist application does not establish suitability for use in living tissue or as a consumer-facing treatment. It is a laboratory specimen-preparation use with its own handling and disposal requirements.

APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SIGNALING RESEARCH

Methyl salicylate occurs in plant biology as a volatile salicylate derivative. Primary research has investigated its contribution to systemic acquired resistance in defined plant-pathogen systems.
The relationship of methyl salicylate to salicylic acid makes it relevant to studies of biosynthesis, transport, conversion and defense signaling. The ester and acid are related chemical species, but their mobility and interaction with biological systems are not identical.
Researchers can use well-characterized material when examining emitted volatiles, enzyme activity or responses to a controlled treatment. Such work requires an appropriate experimental design and a clear description of the chemical supplied.
A result in one plant species or experimental system should not be generalized to every crop or pathogen. The role of methyl salicylate is part of a broader signaling network rather than a universal guarantee of disease resistance.
These studies establish a research application, not blanket approval as a plant-protection product or a recommended agricultural dose. Any commercial agricultural use would require its own efficacy evidence and regulatory qualification.
For analytical work involving plant volatiles, reference quality, impurity background and suitable calibration procedures may be more relevant than sensory odor acceptance.

APPLICATIONS IN SYNTHESIS AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

The ester functionality makes methyl salicylate relevant to laboratory synthesis and to studying ester reactions. Hydrolysis can provide salicylic acid or a salicylate salt under an appropriate procedure, while other transformations require their own validated conditions.
The phenolic group and aromatic ester structure of methyl salicylate provide identifiable features for spectroscopic characterization. Infrared, NMR and chromatographic methods can be used as complementary tools for confirming identity and assessing composition.
Commercial analytical-standard and pharmaceutical-reference grades are available for defined measurement purposes. Reference-material status must be established by the actual certificate rather than inferred from a chemical name or high assay.
A calibration material requires suitable value assignment, uncertainty information where relevant and handling instructions. A general reagent may be chemically appropriate for synthesis without meeting those requirements.
In a quality-control method, the result depends on sample preparation and detector response as well as the reference. GC area percentage, a mass assay and a compendial test should not be treated as automatically interchangeable quantities.
For an enquiry involving analytical use, state the method, target analyte and required documentation. This helps distinguish a synthesis reagent from a material needed for quantitative reference work.

FORMULATION AND PROCESSING CONSIDERATIONS

Limited aqueous solubility is a central formulation constraint. Adding neat methyl salicylate to water without an appropriate delivery system may produce droplets or separation rather than a uniform solution.
Ethanol, a compatible oil phase or a suitable solubilizing package may provide different routes to incorporation. The chosen route must remain suitable for the intended product category and exposure.
A small clear screening blend should be followed by assessment of the complete formulation. Electrolytes, surfactants, other fragrances and temperature changes can alter the physical behavior after initial mixing.
The high boiling point of methyl salicylate does not justify unnecessary heating. Elevated temperature increases vapor generation and changes fire conditions, while the product and other ingredients may impose additional processing limits.
Strongly alkaline conditions can promote ester transformation. Where a formulation contains water and significant alkalinity, monitor chemical stability rather than assuming that physical clarity proves retention of the original ingredient.
An odor change, increased acidity or appearance change may justify investigation, but none provides a complete diagnosis alone. Appropriate chemical analysis is needed where product stability or identity is in question.
For quantitative addition, specify whether the calculation is based on mass or volume. Density varies with temperature, and a volume measured under one condition should not automatically be used as a universal mass equivalent.

GRADE SELECTION AND QUALITY CONTROL

The intended market should guide selection between flavor, fragrance, pharmaceutical and laboratory material. A statement that two products are methyl salicylate establishes chemical similarity, not full interchangeability of their specifications.
For sensory applications, review appearance, odor profile, assay and relevant impurity requirements. A retained reference can help investigate differences that are noticeable in a finished formulation.
For pharmaceutical use, identify the applicable current compendium and required compliance documentation. A reference to a historical standard or another manufacturer's tested grade does not certify the proposed supply.
For natural-source claims, confirm the source and the compositional documentation. The chemical identity of the major constituent does not by itself establish botanical origin, extraction method or natural labeling eligibility.

Incoming control may combine identity testing with assay, acidity, refractive index, density and relevant water or impurity tests. The exact set should reflect the chosen specification and the customer's process.
The technical data sheet, current safety data sheet and batch certificate of analysis should refer to the same offered grade. Packaging, storage life and traceability information should be confirmed for that product.
Ataman Chemicals enquiries should include the intended use, required quality standard, quantity and destination market. No fixed package size, stock availability, certification or shelf-life guarantee is assumed in this generic profile.

STARTING FORMULATION APPROACHES FOR METHYL SALICYLATE (METHYL 2-HYDROXYBENZOATE)

The following examples illustrate how Methyl Salicylate (Methyl 2-Hydroxybenzoate) can be evaluated during formulation and process development. These starting approaches are not validated commercial recipes, production instructions, or final formulations confirmed to comply with applicable regulations.
Methyl Salicylate is an aromatic ester identified by CAS 119-36-8 and is also known as methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate or salicylic acid methyl ester. Its characteristic wintergreen odor, limited water solubility, purity, and compatibility with the surrounding ingredients are relevant to fragrance development. Laboratory evaluation, stability testing, product safety assessment, and applicable regulatory checks are required for each application.
The suggested levels are illustrative laboratory screening points for the stated adult cosmetic categories. Unless otherwise specified, percentages are by weight of the finished product and refer to pure-equivalent Methyl Salicylate. Correct additions for assay and dilution, account for stock-solution carriers, and include contributions from fragrance blends, wintergreen oil, and other sources in the total. Verify current category-specific limits, labeling, exposure assessment, and applicable fragrance standards before selecting a candidate.

EXAMPLE 1: METHYL SALICYLATE ODOR LEVEL SCREENING IN A HYDROALCOHOLIC FRAGRANCE

Objective: To determine how Methyl Salicylate influences wintergreen character, odor balance, clarity, and stability in an adult hydroalcoholic fragrance.

Starting components:

Methyl Salicylate: approximately 0.025%, 0.050%, and 0.100% in the complete product

Ethanol: approximately 70.0% on an absolute ethanol weight basis, correcting for the strength of the supplied alcohol

Dipropylene glycol: approximately 2.0% total, including any amount introduced with a stock solution

Fixed background fragrance accord: approximately 0.5%, with its composition and Methyl Salicylate contribution documented

Demineralized water: sufficient to reach 100%

Preparation temperature: one fixed setpoint within approximately 20–25 °C

Mixing time, equilibration period, container, and odor evaluation conditions: keep constant

A 10.0% Methyl Salicylate stock in dipropylene glycol can support accurate small additions. A 1.0% addition of this stock supplies 0.100% Methyl Salicylate and 0.900% dipropylene glycol to the final product. Adjust the remaining carrier accordingly and include any background contribution when setting the total target.

Application approach:

Verify the raw material identity, assay, and the composition of the background accord.
Prepare the stock if required, then combine the calculated Methyl Salicylate addition with the dipropylene glycol and fragrance accord.
Add ethanol under controlled mixing, followed gradually by the calculated water.
Mix without unnecessary heating, close the containers, and allow the same equilibration period.
Inspect clarity, haze, sediment, and color at a defined temperature.
Evaluate odor on standardized blotters using an approved exposure-controlled protocol, recording initial character and development over time.
Compare clarity and odor during defined temperature and storage testing and verify content with a suitable analytical method where needed.
Select the lowest level that achieves the intended fragrance effect while meeting the complete product's safety and regulatory requirements.
Control flammable solvent vapors and ignition sources. Use suitable ventilation, eye protection, and compatible gloves; prevent ingestion and direct contact with concentrated Methyl Salicylate.

EXAMPLE 2: METHYL SALICYLATE INCORPORATION SCREENING IN A RINSE-OFF BODY CLEANSER

Objective: To examine how Methyl Salicylate affects fragrance character, solubilization, viscosity, and foam in an adult rinse-off body cleanser.

Starting approach:

Methyl Salicylate: approximately 0.010%, 0.025%, and 0.050% total in the complete product

Sodium laureth sulfate: approximately 6.0% active surfactant

Cocamidopropyl betaine: approximately 3.0% active surfactant

Glycerin: approximately 2.0%

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: an illustrative fixed level of approximately 0.3% as supplied, subject to compatibility screening

Sodium chloride: an illustrative fixed level of approximately 1.0%

Compatible preservative system: a fixed supplier-supported level, with efficacy to be verified

Demineralized water and compatible pH adjuster: sufficient to reach 100%

Final pH: select one fixed setpoint within approximately 5.0–5.5

Calculate commercial surfactant quantities from their actual active contents and account for their water and salt contributions. The solubilizer level is a screening condition, not a guaranteed requirement for every grade or fragrance combination. Include an otherwise identical fragrance-free control.

Application approach:

Prepare the aqueous surfactant base with gentle mixing to minimize air entrainment.
Premix Methyl Salicylate with the selected solubilizer and confirm that the premix is uniform.
Introduce the premix gradually into the base, maintaining the same addition temperature and mixing conditions.
Add the preservative according to its requirements and establish the same total sodium chloride level in every trial.
Adjust pH and final weight, then allow the same equilibration period before measurement.
Measure clarity, viscosity, pH, foam development, and foam persistence using consistent methods.
Compare odor, appearance, phase behavior, and Methyl Salicylate retention during defined stability testing.
Select the fragrance level only after confirming compatibility, preservative efficacy, and safety for the intended rinse-off use.
Avoid concentrated fragrance contact with skin and eyes and use suitable personal protection. These trials assess a fragrance ingredient; they do not establish antimicrobial preservation or therapeutic efficacy.

EXAMPLE 3: METHYL SALICYLATE FRAGRANCE LEVEL EVALUATION IN A LEAVE-ON BODY LOTION

Objective: To evaluate how low levels of Methyl Salicylate influence odor, emulsion quality, and storage stability in an adult non-spray body lotion.

Starting approach:

Methyl Salicylate: approximately 0.005%, 0.010%, and 0.020% total in the complete lotion

Glyceryl stearate citrate: an illustrative fixed level of approximately 3.0%

Cetearyl alcohol: approximately 2.0%, kept constant

Caprylic-capric triglyceride or a compatible carrier oil blend: sufficient to bring the complete oil phase, including Methyl Salicylate, emulsifier, and fatty alcohol, to 12.0%

Glycerin: approximately 3.0%

Compatible preservative system: a fixed supplier-supported level, with efficacy to be verified

Demineralized water and compatible pH adjuster: sufficient to reach 100%

Final pH: select one fixed setpoint within approximately 5.0–5.5

Base emulsification conditions, fragrance addition temperature, shear, and cooling profile: keep constant

Replace an equal weight of the designated carrier oil when changing the Methyl Salicylate level. Reserve part of that oil for the fragrance premix and include it in the stated phase total. Low concentration alone does not establish suitability for every population, body area, or exposure pattern.

Application approach:

Prepare the oil-in-water lotion base using an established process, such as heating compatible oil and aqueous phases to approximately 70–75 °C.
Emulsify with consistent addition and shear conditions, then cool under controlled agitation.
Dissolve the calculated Methyl Salicylate quantity in the reserved carrier oil and introduce it during cooling below approximately 40 °C, subject to ingredient compatibility.
Incorporate other temperature-sensitive ingredients within their supported processing limits.
Adjust pH and final weight and allow the same equilibration period.
Measure droplet distribution, viscosity, pH, appearance, and odor using consistent methods.
Assess phase separation, odor change, and analytical Methyl Salicylate retention during defined stability testing.
Investigate any increase in acidity or new analytical peaks before attributing changes to ester hydrolysis or another pathway.
Select the Methyl Salicylate level after evaluating the finished lotion's safety, labeling, microbiological quality, preservative efficacy, and packaging compatibility.
Use appropriate protection when handling hot emulsions and concentrated Methyl Salicylate. Establish safety before any human-use evaluation and prevent accidental ingestion or unauthorized access to raw materials and trial batches.

SAFETY AND EXPOSURE CONTROL

Concentrated methyl salicylate is hazardous despite its familiar odor and use at controlled levels in formulated products. A representative safety data sheet revised in July 2026 lists harmful effects if swallowed, skin sensitization, serious eye damage, suspected reproductive toxicity and long-lasting aquatic harm.
Classification details can depend on jurisdiction and the supplied product. Use the current safety data sheet and applicable workplace requirements for the exact material being handled.
Absorption can occur through the skin as well as by ingestion and inhalation exposure. Prevent direct contact and uncontrolled aerosol generation during transfer, mixing and sampling.

Significant poisoning can disturb the body's acid-base balance and affect the nervous system. Possible symptoms include nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears and more severe neurological effects; suspected ingestion requires prompt professional assessment.
Use appropriate chemical eye protection, protective clothing and gloves selected for the actual contact conditions. Glove suitability depends on material, thickness, exposure duration and the presence of solvents or other ingredients.
Provide ventilation or containment appropriate to the operation, particularly when heating, spraying or creating mist. Odor is not a quantitative exposure monitor.
Methyl salicylate is combustible, and its vapors can form hazardous mixtures with air when sufficiently heated. Control ignition sources and follow the actual product's fire precautions rather than treating a relatively high flash point as absence of fire risk.

FIRST AID MEASURES

Eye Contact with Methyl Salicylate: Immediately rinse with plenty of clean water. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to remove, continue rinsing and obtain urgent medical attention because serious eye damage is documented.
Skin Contact with Methyl Salicylate: Remove contaminated clothing promptly and rinse the exposed skin thoroughly with water, using soap as appropriate. Obtain medical advice after significant exposure or if irritation, rash or other symptoms occur.
Inhalation of Methyl Salicylate Vapor or Mist: Move the person to fresh air and keep them comfortable for breathing. Seek medical advice after significant exposure and urgent help for breathing difficulty or other serious symptoms.
Ingestion of Methyl Salicylate: Rinse the mouth and seek immediate advice from a poison center or medical professional. Do not induce vomiting or give home treatments unless specifically instructed, and never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Medical Information for Methyl Salicylate Exposure: Provide the methyl salicylate label, safety data sheet and details of the amount, route and time of exposure where known. Do not wait for symptoms to develop after suspected significant ingestion.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling Methyl Salicylate: Use controlled transfer and sampling procedures to prevent splashes, leaks and mist. Keep food and drink away from work areas and wash after handling.
Protective Measures for Methyl Salicylate: Use eye and skin protection appropriate to the task and maintain access to eyewash and emergency washing facilities. Remove contaminated clothing and avoid carrying contamination into other areas.
Storage of Methyl Salicylate: Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, protected location and follow the temperature guidance for the offered grade of methyl salicylate. Protect from excessive heat and light where required by the product documentation.
Segregation of Methyl Salicylate: Store away from strong oxidants and strong bases. Prevent cross-contamination from cleaning chemicals or reactive process ingredients.

Cold Handling of Methyl Salicylate: Published freezing values are below ordinary room temperature, but cold storage near that region can change the physical state of methyl salicylate. Follow the supplier's guidance for any required reconditioning rather than applying uncontrolled heat.
Container Compatibility for Methyl Salicylate: Confirm compatibility of containers, seals and transfer equipment with the neat liquid or actual solution. Physical leakage and odor escape can matter even before a visible change in the material occurs.
Shelf Life of Methyl Salicylate: Use the stated shelf life and storage conditions for the actual supply. A plant-prepared solution or finished formulation requires its own stability assessment.

SPILL RESPONSE, FIRE, DISPOSAL AND TRANSPORT

Contain spills while preventing contact and uncontrolled vapor or mist exposure. Collect recoverable liquid in suitable closed containers and absorb remaining material with an appropriate inert absorbent.
Prevent entry into drains, surface waters and soil. The published aquatic hazard means that dilution into wastewater should not be assumed to be an acceptable disposal method.
For fire response, published safety information identifies water spray, foam, dry powder and carbon dioxide as suitable media according to the situation. Firefighters require appropriate protection against combustion products and contaminated runoff.
Dispose of waste liquid, absorbents and contaminated containers according to their actual composition and applicable requirements. A flavor or pharmaceutical use does not make concentrated waste harmless.
A representative current safety data sheet identifies its supplied product as not regulated as dangerous goods under the named air, sea and United States transport provisions. Confirm the status of the exact grade, mixture, shipment and transport mode; this example does not establish an unrestricted classification for every preparation.
No transport conclusion should be used to disregard workplace health hazards. Transport criteria and exposure-control requirements address different aspects of handling the material.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Methyl salicylate (Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate)?
Methyl salicylate is the methyl ester of salicylic acid, a liquid aromatic compound with a characteristic wintergreen odor and documented flavor, fragrance and topical counterirritant applications.

What are the CAS and EC numbers of methyl salicylate?
The CAS number is 119-36-8 and the EC number is 204-317-7.

What are the molecular formula and molecular weight of methyl salicylate?
The formula is C8H8O3 and the average molecular weight is approximately 152.15 g/mol.

Is wintergreen oil always identical to pure methyl salicylate?
Synthetic wintergreen oil is an established name for the compound, while natural essential oils can contain additional constituents and require their own source and composition specifications.

Is methyl salicylate the same as salicylic acid?
No. Methyl salicylate is the methyl ester, while salicylic acid contains a free carboxylic acid group; their physical properties and intended uses differ.

What is the INCI name of methyl salicylate?
The INCI name is METHYL SALICYLATE; a matching INCI entry does not establish unrestricted cosmetic use.

Does methyl salicylate have a verified flavoring identifier?
Methyl salicylate is listed with FEMA number 2745 and JECFA flavor number 899, which are distinct from an E number.

Is methyl salicylate soluble in water?
Only to a limited extent: representative published values are about 0.7 g/L at 20 degrees Celsius and 0.74 g/L at 30 degrees Celsius, so it should not be treated as water-miscible.

What are the boiling and melting points of methyl salicylate?
Published reference values place boiling near 222-224 degrees Celsius and the melting or freezing region near -9 to -7 degrees Celsius; the method and conditions matter for specification use.

What density and viscosity values are available for methyl salicylate?
Representative information gives density near 1.174 g/mL and dynamic viscosity near 1.535 mPa.s, both at 25 degrees Celsius.

Why is methyl salicylate used in fragrance and flavor work?
The defined wintergreen character of methyl salicylate is the main sensory reason, while solubility in ethanol and selected organic media supports incorporation into appropriate compositions.

Can a laboratory grade automatically be used in food or pharmaceutical products?
No. The offered material must meet the relevant intended-use specification and documentation requirements rather than relying only on CAS identity or a high assay.

Is there one recommended methyl salicylate concentration for every product?
No. Flavor, cosmetic, oral-care and drug applications have different exposure and regulatory requirements, and the complete product must be assessed.

Can methyl salicylate replace an approved sunscreen active simply because it is a salicylate?
No. Membership of the salicylate family does not establish sunscreen-active status, permitted use or a supported sun-protection claim.

What is the main handling concern?
Concentrated material requires protection against ingestion, skin exposure and eye contact, with particular attention to documented eye damage, sensitization and systemic salicylate effects.

What information helps with a supply enquiry for methyl salicylate?
Provide the intended application, target market, required quality standard, relevant analytical limits, quantity and documentation needs so that the proposed grade can be assessed properly.

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Methyl salicylate (Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate) is a defined aromatic ester associated with CAS 119-36-8 and EC number 204-317-7. Its formula is C8H8O3 and its average molar mass is approximately 152.15 g/mol. The structure contains a phenolic hydroxyl adjacent to a methyl carboxylate group on a benzene ring. This arrangement distinguishes it from the parent salicylic acid, positional hydroxybenzoate isomers and other salicylate esters. Synthetic wintergreen oil is an established name, while natural botanical oils require separate source and compositional qualification.
Methyl salicylate is liquid at ordinary room temperature and has a recognizable wintergreen odor. Published reference values place the boiling point around 222-224 degrees Celsius and the freezing region around -9 to -7 degrees Celsius. Representative data give a density of approximately 1.174 g/mL and dynamic viscosity of 1.535 mPa.s at 25 degrees Celsius. A refractive index near nD20 1.536 provides another useful identification-related physical measurement. These values need their stated conditions and do not replace a commercial batch specification.

The limited water solubility of methyl salicylate is a central formulation consideration. Values around 0.7 g/L at 20 degrees Celsius support describing the compound as only slightly soluble in water, while ethanol miscibility and compatibility with selected organic media permit other incorporation routes. A fragrance or flavor concentrate may require solubilization or emulsification when transferred into a water-rich product. Physical clarity, uniformity and storage behavior must be checked after all formulation components are present. Strongly alkaline conditions can also promote ester transformation, so chemical stability should be considered separately from appearance.
Fragrance and flavor compositions are major applications, with the defined wintergreen note providing the principal sensory function. Oral-care products represent an additional documented exposure category. Cosmetic use requires assessment of the product type, intended users and current market conditions; an INCI name alone does not establish unlimited use. In pharmaceutical applications, methyl salicylate has a documented counterirritant role in appropriate external analgesic products. Therapeutic claims and allowable conditions belong to the finished product rather than to a general raw-material description.

Specialist uses of methyl salicylate include analytical reference work, laboratory synthesis, botanical specimen clearing and plant-defense signaling research. Each places different demands on the material. Optical clarity and specimen compatibility can matter in microscopy, while a quantitative analytical application requires suitable reference documentation. Research on plant signaling does not establish a universal agricultural use or dose. Similarly, a flavor specification and a pharmaceutical specification should not be treated as interchangeable simply because both concern the same molecule.

A vapor pressure near 13 Pa at 20 degrees Celsius and closed-cup flash points reported near 96-101 degrees Celsius describe different aspects of handling. Neither predicts the exposure generated by a spray or heated process on its own. Temperature control, containment and compatibility with the complete formulation remain relevant when transferring laboratory information to production.
Quality selection for methyl salicylate should connect identity, assay, acidity, physical measurements and relevant impurities to the intended application. Concentrated methyl salicylate presents ingestion, eye, sensitization and systemic-exposure concerns and is combustible. Current product safety information must govern protective measures, storage and transport decisions. An enquiry to Ataman Chemicals should identify the required grade, target market, quantity and documentation so that technical suitability can be assessed against the customer's actual formulation and quality requirements.

CONTACT AND TECHNICAL ENQUIRIES

For Methyl salicylate (Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate) enquiries, provide the intended application, required quality standard, target market and quantity. Contact Ataman Chemicals to discuss the proposed grade and the documentation needed for evaluation.
Ataman Chemicals
Phone: +90 216 577 10 10
Email: info@atamankimya.com