Wintergreen oil, also known as methyl salicylate, 2-hydroxy-benzoicacimethylester, CAS 119-36-8, is an important organic compound that is a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid with a strong aroma of wintergreen oil. Its natural product is found in essential oils such as deerstalker oil, wintergreen oil, birch oil, green tea seed oil, clove oil, mistletoe oil, tuberose oil, tea oil and the juice of cherries, apples and strawberries. Industrial production is generally made by synthesis of salicylic acid and methanol.Its grades are divided into methyl salicylate technical grade and methyl salicylate pharmaceutical grade depending on the application area.
Methyl salicylate plays an important role in many different fields.
1. Pharmaceutical field
Methyl salicylate has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and is often used to treat arthritis, muscle pain, headache, toothache, nasal congestion and other symptoms. It is also widely used in products such as topical pain relief patches, massage creams, mouth fresheners and sunscreens.
2. Cosmetic field
Methyl salicylate has the effect of exfoliating the stratum corneum, removing dead skin cells and promoting metabolism, and has the effect of whitening, acne removal, anti-wrinkle and pore reduction. Therefore, it is widely used in products such as creams, lotions, face washes and masks.
3. Fragrance field
Methyl salicylate has a fresh aromatic flavor and is often used as a fragrance and flavoring agent in products such as chewing gum, mints, toothpaste and oral medicine.
4.Food field
Methyl salicylate is used as a food preservative and flavoring agent, and is often added to candy, mints, chewing gum, meat products and beverages to increase the taste and shelf life of food.
5. Industrial field
Methyl salicylate can also be used in the fragrance of industrial supplies such as glue, glue paper, brand stickers, paste, etc. It is used as high temperature heat carrier in printing and dyeing industry. Methyl salicylate is also used as solvent and intermediate in the manufacture of pesticides, fungicides, fragrances, coatings, cosmetic inks and fiber dyeing aids. Methyl salicylate reacts with ammonia to form salicylamide, which is used in the production of ethyl salicylamine, an antipyretic and analgesic drug, and salicylamide itself is also an antipyretic and analgesic.
It should be noted that methyl salicylate has some toxicity and may cause toxic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache and central nervous system depression when used in large quantities or accidentally ingested. Therefore, care should be taken to control the dose when using it and avoid direct contact with skin and accidental ingestion.
