Esters

An ester is any compound with the general formula

where R and R' are any alkyl groups. Most esters have pleasant odors. Esters are responsible for the fragrances of many flowers and the pleasant tastes of ripened fruits. Bananas contain the ester amyl acetate, and oranges the ester octyl acetate. Wintergreen mints contain the ester methyl salicylate, called oil of wintergreen.

Beeswax and other waxes are composed of esters.