Ethyl benzoate, C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>10</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, is an ester formed by the condensation of benzoic acid and ethanol. It is a colorless liquid that is almost insoluble in water, but miscible with most organic solvents.
As with many volatile esters, ethyl benzoate has a pleasant odor described as sweet, wintergreen, fruity, medicinal, cherry and grape. It is a component of some fragrances and artificial fruit flavors.
A simple and commonly used method for the preparation of ethyl benzoate in the laboratory is the acidic esterification of benzoic acid with ethanol and sulfuric acid as catalyst: