Methyl salicylate
Methyl Salicylate
Methyl salicylate (pronounced meth-ill sal-i-sil-ate) is an organic ester that is naturally produced by many species of plants, particularly wintergreens. It is also synthetically produced and used as a fragrance in products like perfumes and food flavorings.
Etymology
The term "methyl salicylate" is derived from its chemical structure. "Methyl" refers to the presence of a methyl group (CH3) in the compound, while "salicylate" is derived from salicylic acid, a compound from which methyl salicylate is synthesized.
Uses
Methyl salicylate is used in a variety of applications. It is commonly used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages, and as a fragrance in personal care products. In medicine, it is used as a counterirritant in topical analgesics to relieve minor body aches and pains. It is also used in high concentrations as a rubefacient to irritate the skin and increase blood flow in the underlying tissues.
Related Terms
- Wintergreen: A group of plants that naturally produce methyl salicylate.
- Salicylic acid: A compound from which methyl salicylate is synthesized.
- Counterirritant: A substance that causes irritation to the skin to relieve pain in the underlying tissues.
- Rubefacient: A substance that irritates the skin and increases blood flow in the underlying tissues.
Safety
Methyl salicylate can be toxic if ingested in large amounts or absorbed through the skin. It should be used with caution and kept out of reach of children.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Methyl salicylate
- Wikipedia's article - Methyl salicylate
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