Which compound is known as 'oil of wintergreen'?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Methyl salicylate

Explanation:
• Methyl salicylate is a volatile organic ester colloquially recognized as the oil of wintergreen.
• It is chemically produced through the esterification of salicylic acid with methanol in the presence of sulfuric acid.

Information Booster:
• It exhibits a distinct, minty odor and acts as a rubefacient, causing localized skin warming and increased blood circulation.
• Methyl salicylate is widely utilized as the active ingredient in topical analgesic ointments (like Iodex) for relieving muscle aches.

Additional Knowledge:
Phenyl benzoate (Option a)
• Synthesized via the Schotten-Baumann reaction, this compound lacks the characteristic wintergreen scent and properties.
Phenyl salicylate (Option b)
• Also known as Salol, it is used medicinally as a mild antiseptic, not as oil of wintergreen.
Phenyl acetate (Option c)
• An ester that can act as an intermediate or flavoring agent, distinct from methyl salicylate.
None of the above/More than one of the above (Option e)
• Incorrect, as methyl salicylate is strictly the recognized compound.

So the correct answer is (d)