Properties of Methyl Salicylate (C8H8O3)
Methyl salicylate is an organic compound with the chemical formula C8H8O3. It is the methyl ester of salicylic acid, which is found naturally in plants and is known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Methyl salicylate is often used topically as a counterirritant in products like muscle rubs and liniments to relieve minor aches and pains.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of methyl salicylate properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Molar Mass | 152.15 g/mol |
| Density | 1184 kg/m3 |
| Dynamic Viscosity | 2.34 mPa·s |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | -8.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 222 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.1468 W/m·K |
| Vapor Pressure (25°C) | 0.015 kPa |
| Critical Constants | Metric |
| Critical Temperature (Tc) | 285 °C |
| Critical Pressure (Pc) | 2.8 MPa |
| Critical Molar Volume (Vc) | 464 cm3/mol |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Relative Permittivity (εr) | 6 |
| Optical Properties | Metric |
| Refractive Index (589 nm) | 1.536 |
| Hazardous Data | Metric |
| Flash Point | 96 °C |
| Autoignition Temperature | 454 °C |
| NFPA Rating (Health) | 2 |
| NFPA Rating (Fire) | 1 |
| 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)
Related Pages
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.