3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol is a compound that has relevance to everyday life due to its applications in various industries. It is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as a building block for the synthesis of certain drugs. Additionally, it is utilized in the production of fragrances and flavors, as well as in the field of organic chemistry for various research purposes. Overall, its versatility and importance in multiple industries make it a significant compound in everyday life.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol, also known as veratraldehyde, is commonly used in various commercial and industrial applications. It is utilized as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics due to its pleasant odor. Additionally, it is employed as a flavoring agent in the food industry, imparting a sweet and vanilla-like taste to products.
In the pharmaceutical industry, 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various drugs and medications. It has been used in the production of antihypertensive agents and anti-asthmatic drugs. Furthermore, it is utilized in the development of antimicrobial agents and anti-inflammatory medications, showcasing its versatility in drug synthesis.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol appears as a white crystalline solid with a slight, sweet odor. The compound is commonly used as a fragrance ingredient in various cosmetic products.
The molar mass of 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol is 178.20 g/mol, with a density of 1.071 g/cm^3. This places it in the same range as common food items like sugar (180.16 g/mol, 1.59 g/cm^3) and salt (58.44 g/mol, 2.16 g/cm^3).
3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol has a melting point of 65-66°C and a boiling point of 275°C. These values are similar to those of common food items like butter (melting point 32-35°C, boiling point 100°C) and olive oil (melting point -6°C, boiling point 225-275°C).
3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol is sparingly soluble in water and has a low viscosity. This differs from common food items like sugar and salt, which are both highly soluble in water and have a higher viscosity.
🏭 Production & Procurement
3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol is typically produced through a multi-step synthesis process involving the reaction of vanillin with a suitable protecting group, followed by reduction to the corresponding alcohol. This reaction sequence allows for the selective methylation of the 3 and 4 positions on the benzene ring, yielding the desired product.
Once synthesized, 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol can be procured from chemical suppliers or pharmaceutical companies. It is commonly available in both purified form for research and industrial applications, as well as in bulk quantities for larger-scale production processes. Suppliers typically ship the compound in sealed containers to prevent contamination and maintain its purity during transportation.
When transported, 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol is typically packaged and shipped in accordance with relevant regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials. This may involve using appropriate protective packaging, labeling, and shipping methods to ensure the compound reaches its destination safely and intact. It is important for both suppliers and recipients to adhere to these regulations to prevent any potential hazards during transit.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol include the fact that it is a flammable liquid and should be stored away from sources of ignition. Additionally, it may cause skin irritation and serious eye damage upon contact, so skin and eye protection should be worn when handling this chemical. It is important to work with 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of vapors, as they may cause respiratory irritation.
Hazard statements for 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol include “Causes skin irritation” and “May cause serious eye damage.” Furthermore, it is classified as a flammable liquid and should be kept away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. In case of skin or eye contact, immediate medical attention should be sought, as prolonged exposure can result in serious health effects.
Precautionary statements for 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol include wearing protective gloves, eye protection, and face protection when handling this chemical. It is advised to keep this substance away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces to prevent fire hazards. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical advice. It is important to work with 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of vapors, as they may cause respiratory irritation.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol is in the field of organic synthesis, where its reactivity can be explored for the development of new chemical reactions or methodologies.
Another avenue of research could involve investigating the pharmacological properties of 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol, including its potential use as a drug candidate or as a precursor for the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds.
Furthermore, the study of the environmental impact of 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol and its degradation products could be an important research direction, particularly in the context of wastewater treatment and pollution control.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol is 3,4-Dimethoxybenzaldehyde. This compound differs from 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol in that it lacks the hydroxyl group (-OH) found in the alcohol, but instead possesses an aldehyde functional group (-CHO). The presence of the aldehyde group makes 3,4-Dimethoxybenzaldehyde an important precursor in organic synthesis, particularly in the formation of various benzyl alcohols.
Another similar compound is 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl chloride. This compound shares the same 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl group as 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol, but instead of an alcohol functional group, it contains a chloride atom. 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl chloride is commonly used in organic chemistry as a reagent for the introduction of the 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl group into various molecules through nucleophilic substitution reactions.
A third similar compound is 3,4-Dimethoxybenzylamine. This compound is structurally related to 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol, with the alcohol group replaced by an amine group (-NH2). 3,4-Dimethoxybenzylamine is often used as a building block in the synthesis of various bioactive compounds and pharmaceuticals due to the presence of the benzylamine moiety, which can participate in a range of chemical reactions.
