Question

Oil of wintergreen is
A.Carboxylic acid
B.Ester
C.Ketone
D.None of the above

Answer 1

Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen or wintergreen oil) is an organic ester naturally produced by many species of plants, particularly wintergreens. The active ingredient in wintergreen oil, methyl salicylate, is closely related to aspirin and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, products containing wintergreen oil are often used as an anti-inflammatory and topical pain reliever.

Complete step by step solution:
- An ester is a chemical compound derived from an acid (organic or inorganic) in which at least one $-OH$ (hydroxyl) group is replaced by an $-O-$ alkyl (alkoxy) group. Usually, esters are derived from the substitution reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
- Esters are more polar than ethers but less polar than alcohols. They participate in hydrogen bonds as hydrogen – bond acceptors, but cannot act as hydrogen-bond donors, unlike their parent alcohols. This ability to participate in hydrogen bonding confers some water-solubility. Because of their lack of hydrogen-bond-donating ability, esters do not self-associate. Consequently, esters are more volatile than carboxylic acids of similar molecular weight.
- Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen or wintergreen oil) is an organic ester naturally produced by many species of plants, particularly wintergreens. It is also produced synthetically, used as a fragrance in foods and beverages. Hence, we can say that the oil of wintergreen is Ester.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Methyl salicylate is an organic compound with the formula ${C_6}{H_4}$. It is the methyl ester of salicylic acid. It is a colourless, viscous liquid with a sweet, fruity odour reminiscent of root beer, but often associatively called “minty,” as it is an ingredient in mint candies.