For what purposes are esters commonly used?

Esters are commonly used as flavorings and fragrances due to their characteristic pleasant smells and tastes. Many esters are derived from natural sources, such as fruits, and are responsible for the distinctive aromas and flavors found in various food products. This makes them highly valuable in the food and beverage industry, where they are used to enhance the sensory experience of products. Additionally, esters are widely utilized in the fragrance industry for perfumes and scented products. Their volatility and ability to evaporate easily allow them to impart scents that are both pleasant and long-lasting, making them ideal for these applications.

While other functions of compounds include dyes and preservatives, acids and bases, or energy storage, those applications are not primarily associated with esters, which highlights why their use in flavorings and fragrances is particularly significant.