Question

Oil of wintergreen is chemically known as:

• A. Methyl acetate
• B. Methyl salicylate
• C. Ethyl salicylate
• D. Salicylic acid

Hint:

Remember some important common names:
• Oil of wintergreen \(\rightarrow\) Methyl salicylate
• Vinegar \(\rightarrow\) Acetic acid
• Wood spirit \(\rightarrow\) Methanol
• Grain alcohol \(\rightarrow\) Ethanol Common names are frequently asked in organic chemistry questions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Oil of wintergreen is a naturally occurring aromatic compound obtained from plants such as wintergreen and sweet birch. It belongs to the class of esters and possesses a characteristic pleasant smell. Chemically, it is known as methyl salicylate. Methyl salicylate is formed by esterification of salicylic acid with methanol. \[ \text{Salicylic Acid} + \text{Methanol} \rightarrow \text{Methyl Salicylate} + H_2O \]

Step 1: Understanding the structure of methyl salicylate.
Methyl salicylate is an ester containing:
• A benzene ring
• An ester group \((-COOCH_3)\)
• A hydroxyl group \((-OH)\) Its IUPAC name is: \[ \text{Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate} \]

Step 2: Identifying the common name.
The compound methyl salicylate is commonly known as: \[ \boxed{\text{Oil of wintergreen}} \] It is widely used in:
• Pain relief balms
• Liniments
• Flavoring agents
• Perfumes

Step 3: Evaluating the given options.

• Methyl acetate: Simple ester with fruity smell, not oil of wintergreen.
• Methyl salicylate: Correct chemical name of oil of wintergreen.
• Ethyl salicylate: Different ester compound.
• Salicylic acid: Parent acid used to prepare methyl salicylate.

Step 4: Final conclusion.
Therefore, oil of wintergreen is chemically known as: \[ \boxed{\text{Methyl salicylate}} \] Hence, the correct option is: \[ \boxed{(2)\ \text{Methyl salicylate}} \]