Ethyl phenoxyacetate

Chemical properties

clear yellow liquid

The Uses of Ethyl phenoxyacetate

The ester is occasic nally used in flavor compositions, mainly imitation Honey, where it can help tone down the rather pungent notes of the conventional Methyl- and Ethyl phenylacetates. Higher esters of Phenoxyacetic acid are also used in Honey - for perfumes andflavors, and some of them find their way into Styrax-bases.

General Description

Ethyl phenoxyacetate is an ester. It undergoes cyanide ion catalyzed aminolysis with ammonia to afford the corresponding amide.

Synthesis

Ethyl phenoxyacetate is prepared by direct estenfication of Ethanol with Phenoxyacetic acid using azecxropic conditions. The acid can be obtained from Phenol plus Monochloroacetic acid in aqueous alkaline solution.