Ethyl benzoate

Ethyl benzoate, C9H10O2, is the ester formed by the condensation of benzoic acid and ethanol. It is a colorless liquid that is almost insoluble in water, but miscible with most organic solvents. Ethyl benzoate, C9H10O2, is the ester formed by the condensation of benzoic acid and ethanol. It is a colorless liquid that is almost insoluble in water, but miscible with most organic solvents. As with many volatile esters, ethyl benzoate has a pleasant odor described as sweet, wintergreen, fruity, medicinal, cherry, and grape. It is a component of some fragrances and artificial fruit flavors. A simple and commonly used method for the preparation of ethyl benzoate in laboratory is the acidic esterification of benzoic acid with ethanol and sulfuric acid as catalyst: