Properties of Methyl Benzoate (C8H8O2)
Methyl benzoate is an organic compound with the chemical formula C8H8O2. It is a type of ester formed by the reaction of benzoic acid and methanol. Methyl benzoate is often used as a flavoring agent and fragrance in various products due to its pleasant, sweet, and fruity aroma, resembling wintergreen or cherry.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of methyl benzoate properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
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| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Molar Mass | 136.15 g/mol |
| Density | 1086 kg/m3 |
| Dynamic Viscosity | 2.038 mPa·s |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | -12.4 °C |
| Boiling Point | 199 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.155 W/m·K |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.052 kPa |
| Critical Constants | Metric |
| Critical Temperature (Tc) | 702 °C |
| Critical Pressure (Pc) | 3.8 MPa |
| Critical Molar Volume (Vc) | 408 cm3/mol |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Relative Permittivity (εr) (30°C) | 6.642 |
| Optical Properties | Metric |
| Refractive Index (589 nm) | 1.5164 |
| Hazardous Data | Metric |
| Flash Point | 83 °C |
| NFPA Rating (Health) | 1 |
| NFPA Rating (Fire) | 2 |
| NFPA Rating (Reactivity) | 0 |
Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.