When the decomposition of an ester occurs upon its reaction with water, the ester is said to be hydrolyzed. Esters of cetyl alcohol are found in the head oil of the sperm whale, and esters of myricyl alcohol in beeswax. Nitroglycerin , an important explosive, is an ester. Other esters, such as dibutyl phthalate and tricresyl phosphate, are used as plasticizers in lacquers. Amyl acetate is employed as odor bait in grasshopper poisons, and several of the formates are good fumigants.
Esters also have an important function in organic synthesis.
Esters have important medical uses. Ethyl nitrite is a diuretic and an antipyretic. Amyl nitrite is used in the treatment of asthma and epileptic convulsions as an antispasmodic. Nitroglycerin and amyl nitrite both cause blood-vessel dilation thereby lowering blood pressure . Ethyl chaulmoograte has been used in the treatment of leprosy.