Ethyl 4-aminobenzoate

Benzocaine is a benzoate ester having 4-aminobenzoic acid as the acid component and ethanol as the alcohol component. A surface anaesthetic, it is used to suppress the gag reflex, and as a lubricant and topical anaesthetic on the larynx, mouth, nasal cavity, respiratory tract, oesophagus, rectum, urinary tract, and vagina. It has a role as a sensitiser, a topical anaesthetic, an allergen and an antipruritic drug. It is a benzoate ester and a substituted aniline.