arylalkanoaattien

Aryl alkanoates are a class of organic esters in which an aryl group is bonded through an oxygen atom to the acyl part of a carboxylic acid. The general structure is Ar–O–CO–R, where Ar is an aryl ring (for example phenyl or a substituted phenyl) and R is an alkyl or aryl group derived from the carboxylic acid. This makes them aryl esters of various alkanoic acids.

Synthesis and preparation methods commonly involve reactions of phenols or other aryl alcohols with carboxylic acid derivatives. Typical routes include acylation of phenols with acid chlorides (R–COCl) in the presence of base, or catalytic esterification of aryl alcohols with carboxylic acids. Transesterification, where an existing aryl ester exchanges the acyl group with another carboxylic acid, is another approach. Phenols are less reactive than aliphatic alcohols, so activating reagents or coupling strategies are often used.

Applications and occurrence: aryl alkanoates are widely used as fragrance and flavor ingredients (for example phenyl acetates and phenyl benzoates), solvents, and intermediates in organic synthesis. They also appear as components in coatings, inks, and some polymer formulations due to their specific volatility and scent characteristics. Some aryl esters serve as enzyme substrates in biochemical research when the aryl group is designed to release a detectable product upon hydrolysis.

Properties and safety: these esters vary in polarity, volatility, and odor depending on the aryl and acyl groups. They are generally flammable and can be irritants. They hydrolyze under acidic or basic conditions to yield the corresponding phenol (or aryl alcohol) and carboxylic acid. Appropriate handling and ventilation are advised.

Examples include phenyl acetate (phenyl ethanoate), phenyl benzoate, and p-nitrophenyl acetate.