Methyl phenylacetate

Methyl phenylacetate is an organic compound that is the methyl ester of phenylacetic acid, with the structural formula C6H5CH2CO2CH3.

Methyl phenylacetate has a strong odor similar to honey.

This compound also occurs in brandy, capsicum, coffee, honey, pepper, and some wine.

It is used in the flavor industry and in perfumes to impart honey scents.

[1] Methyl phenyldiazoacetate, precursor to cyclopropanation agents, is prepared by treating methyl phenylacetate with p-acetamidobenzenesulfonyl azide in the presence of base.

Skeletal formula of methyl phenylacetate
Skeletal formula of methyl phenylacetate
Ball-and-stick model
Ball-and-stick model
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentine Flammability 2: Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition can occur. Flash point between 38 and 93 °C (100 and 200 °F). E.g. diesel fuel Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no code