Ball and stick model of the
methyl acetate moleculeMethyl ester of a carboxylic acid. The methyl ester residue is marked in blue. R stands for a hydrogen atom or an organic residue (alkyl residue, aryl residue, etc.).
Methylesters are often called fruit esters, since they are component of many fruits characteristic aroma. Most notable one is
methyl cinnamate, that is part of flavour of strawberries, basil and eucalyptus.[1]
Manufacturing
One of ways to manifacture methyl esters is by condensation of
carboxylic acid and methanol in presence of acidic catalyst.[2]
Diesel subsitute in
biodiesel or as an additive to diesel fuel. As a main resource for production of methylesters for fuel consumption are vegetable oil, animal fat, algae oil, and vegetable oil waste.[5]