Substance profile
Methyl Salicylate
Methyl Salicylate is colorless, yellowish or reddish, oily liq with a liquid having the characteristic odor of wintergreen.
01 · Identification
What Methyl Salicylate is
Methyl Salicylate is colorless, yellowish or reddish, oily liq with a liquid having the characteristic odor of wintergreen. Its molecular formula is C8H8O3 and its molecular weight is 152.15 g/mol. It boils at 222 °C, melts at -8.6 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H361d | Suspected of damaging the unborn child. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P261, P270, P272, P273, P280, P301, P312, P313, P330, P333, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Methyl Salicylate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 222.22 °C (432 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
| 223 °C (433.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 223.3 °C (433.9 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -8.6 °C (16.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -8.61 °C (16.5 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -8 °C (17.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.18 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.174 g/cm³ | CAMEO | ||
| 1.184 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | SOL IN CHLOROFORM, ETHER; MISCIBLE WITH ALC, GLACIAL ACETIC ACID | HSDB | |
| SOL IN DIETHYL ETHER | HSDB | ||
| SOLUBLE IN MOST COMMON ORGANIC SOLVENTS | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.0975 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 0.0343 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 96.11 °C (205 °F) | HSDB | |
| 101 °C (213.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 454.44 °C (850 °F) | HSDB | |
| 452.78 °C (847 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 450 °C (842 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Vapor density | 5.2 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 5.24 (air = 1) | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Methyl Salicylate
Storage conditions
METHYL SALICYLATE SHOULD BE STORED AND DISPENSED IN TIGHT CONTAINERS.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
INCOMPATIBILITIES: DECOMP BY ALKALIES TO FORM METHYL ALC & SALICYLATE.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHYL SALICYLATE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. This chemical is incompatible with oxidizers. It is also incompatible with strong bases. It may react with iron salts. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methyl Salicylate in the storage compatibility matrix →