Ethyl benzoate is a colourless liquid that has a somewhat fruity odor similar to ylang-ylang, but milder than methyl benzoate. Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, petroleum ether, propylene glycol, mineral oil and most non-volatile oils, insoluble in water and glycerin.
Ethyl Benzoate acts as an aroma and flavour compound due to the volatile ester group in its structure. In perfumery under the name Essence de Niobe; in manufacture of Peau d’Espagne; artificial fruit essence.