Methyl Anthranilate - Timothy Pulfer

 Methyl anthranilate may just be your favorite chemical that you didn't even know existed. This compound is an ester, these are chemical compounds with specific structures which give them some amazing properties. Unlike other chemical compounds such as acids, esters usually have a pleasant odor that they give off. Methyl anthranilate happens to be one of the esters that gives off a grape smell. The reason I mentioned that this may just be your favorite chemical that you don't know about is because it is a key ingredient in artificial grape flavoring. Artificial grape flavoring found in candy, medicine and drinks like Kool Aid is a divisive topic. Some people absolutely love this taste while others say it tastes like bad medicine from their childhood.

Fortunately for the grape candy lovers, this compound is non toxic and it would take a large amount of it to cause damage to the average person. However, it may affect some ocean dwelling animals, so think twice before pouring your grape Kool Aid in a pond. Beyond candy and Kool Aid, methyl anthranilate can be used as a bird repellent for crops and flowers. Since this compound is non toxic to humans and pets, it makes for an excellent alternative to more dangerous repellents.

The production of methyl anthranilate is relatively quite simple, and is commonplace in high school laboratories. However, the production of this compound does require a small amount of sulfuric acid, which is very dangerous and needs to be handled with extreme care. But other than this acid, the reaction requires only common chemicals such as methanol, sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. It is important to note that the pure form of the compound is labeled as an irritant, meaning that it should not be exposed to skin or the eyes.