A chemical compound formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol, often producing pleasant fruity or floral scents. Common in natural oils and synthetic fragrances.
From German 'Essigäther' meaning 'acetic ether,' coined by German chemist Leopold Gmelin in 1850. The term was shortened from the German compound describing the vinegar-like ether compounds first studied.
Esters are responsible for most of the delicious smells and flavors we associate with fruits - banana flavor comes from isoamyl acetate, apple from ethyl butyrate, and pineapple from ethyl acetate. Paradoxically, some esters that smell wonderful in small concentrations become quite unpleasant at higher concentrations.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.