Benzyl formate

Chemical properties

Colorless liquid; fruity-spicy odor. Resembles benzyl acetate in many respects but differs in its greater volatility. Miscible with alcohols, ketones, oils, aromatic, aliphatic and halogenated hydrocarbons; insoluble in water.

Chemical properties

Benzyl formate has an intense, pleasant, floral-fruity odor and sweet taste reminiscent of apricot and pineapple.

Occurrence

Reported found in the oil of Rosa rugosa, sour cherry, American cranberry, ligonberry, coffee, black tea, Agaricus mushroom, Ocimum basilicum, Bourbon vanilla and crowberry (Empetrum nigrum Coll.).

The Uses of Benzyl formate

Solvent for cellulose esters; in perfumery.

What are the applications of Application

Benzyl formate is a product for proteomics research

Preparation

By heating a mixture of formic/acetic anhydride and benzyl alcohol to 50°C; by passing a mixture of formic acid and excess benzyl alcohol over a catalyst (ThO2 or TiO2) at high temperature.

Definition

ChEBI: Benzylformate is a carboxylic ester. It is functionally related to a benzyl alcohol.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 10 ppm: fresh cherry with a berry, strawberry fruity nuance.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 82, p. 2380, 1960 DOI: 10.1021/ja01494a065
The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 55, p. 2952, 1990 DOI: 10.1021/jo00296a072

Hazard

May be narcotic in high concentration.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion andskin contact. Mutation data reported. Probably narcotic inhigh concentrations. When heated todecomposition it emits acrid, irritating fumes.