Methyl anthranilate

Methyl anthranilate, also known as MA, methyl 2-aminobenzoate or carbomethoxyaniline, is an ester of anthranilic acid. Its chemical formula is C8H9NO2. It is a clear to pale yellow liquid with melting point 24 &deg;C and boiling point 256 &deg;C. It shows a light blue fluorescence. It is very slightly soluble in water, and soluble in ethanol and propylene glycol. It is insoluble in paraffin oil and glycerol. It is combustible, with flash point at 104 &deg;C. At full concentration, it has fruity grape smell; at 25 ppm it has sweet fruity concord grape like smell with a musty and berry nuance.

Methyl anthranilate acts as a bird repellent. It is food-grade and can be used to protect corn, sunflowers, rice, fruit, and golf courses.

Methyl anthranilate naturally occurs in the Concord grapes, and in bergamot, champaca, gardenia, jasmine, lemon, mandarin, neroli, oranges, rue oil, strawberry, tuberose, and ylang ylang. It is used for flavoring of candy, soft drinks (eg. grape soda), gums, and drugs. FDA considers it generally recognized as safe.

Dimethyl anthranilate (DMA) has a similar effect.