Ethyl benzoate

Other names: Benzoic acid ethyl ester, ethyl benzoate

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Ethyl benzoate, otherwise known as benzoic acid ethyl ester or ethyl benzoate, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C9H10O2. It is a colorless liquid that has a slightly fruity odor, reminiscent of strawberries. It is an ester made from the alcohol ethanol and benzoic acid. Ethyl benzoate is commonly used in a number of industrial applications, particularly in the food and cosmetics industries, but also in the pharmaceutical sector.

In the food industry, ethyl benzoate is used as an additive to improve the taste and aroma of products. It can be found in many fruit juices, soft drinks, confectionery and ice cream. In the cosmetics industry, it is used as an ingredient in perfumes and scented body lotions because of its slightly fruity, strawberry scent. Furthermore, ethyl benzoate is used in the pharmaceutical industry. It is present in some pharmaceutical preparations where it is used as a flavouring agent or solvent. Ethyl benzoate may also appear in some pesticides as an ingredient to enhance application to plants.