C17H18O4

C17H18O4 is the molecular formula for a compound that can exist in several isomeric forms. One common isomer with this formula is ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoate, also known as ethyl vanillate. Ethyl vanillate is an ester derived from vanillic acid and ethanol. It is a white crystalline solid at room temperature.

Ethyl vanillate occurs naturally in some plants, though typically in small amounts. It is often synthesized for commercial use. Its applications are varied, including its use as a flavoring agent in food products and as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics. Due to its antioxidant properties, it has also been investigated for potential use in pharmaceuticals and as a food preservative.

Other compounds with the molecular formula C17H18O4 include different esters of vanillic acid, such as methyl vanillate or propyl vanillate, as well as other structural isomers with distinct chemical properties and potential uses. The specific properties and applications are dependent on the precise arrangement of atoms within the molecule, defining its particular isomer.