Methyl 4-formylbenzoate, a chemical compound commonly used in the production of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, plays a significant role in everyday life. Its importance lies in its ability to serve as a building block for the synthesis of drugs, insecticides, and other products essential for human health and agriculture. Additionally, this compound is utilized in the creation of flavors and fragrances, contributing to the enhancement of various consumer goods. Therefore, Methyl 4-formylbenzoate holds a crucial position in a wide range of industries, ultimately impacting consumers’ daily experiences.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Methyl 4-formylbenzoate, a compound with the chemical formula C_9H_8O_3, has various commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as a key ingredient in the production of fragrances and flavorings due to its pleasant odor. In addition, this compound is utilized in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes.
In the field of drug and medication applications, Methyl 4-formylbenzoate plays a vital role as an intermediate compound in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical products. It is used in the production of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and anticancer agents. Furthermore, this compound is employed in the development of medications for neurological disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
Overall, the versatile nature of Methyl 4-formylbenzoate makes it a significant component in various industries, ranging from fragrance and flavor production to pharmaceutical applications. Its ability to serve as a key intermediate compound in the synthesis of essential drugs highlights its importance in the field of medicine and healthcare.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Methyl 4-formylbenzoate is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor. It is commonly used as a flavoring agent in the food industry due to its pleasant aroma.
With a molar mass of 180.17 g/mol and a density of 1.174 g/cm³, Methyl 4-formylbenzoate has a lower molar mass compared to common food items such as sugars and fats, but a higher density compared to liquids like water.
Methyl 4-formylbenzoate has a melting point of -8 °C and a boiling point of 194 °C. These values are relatively higher compared to many common food items, which typically have lower melting and boiling points.
Methyl 4-formylbenzoate is sparingly soluble in water and has a low viscosity. In comparison, many common food items are more soluble in water and have higher viscosity, making Methyl 4-formylbenzoate less ideal for use in aqueous solutions.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Methyl 4-formylbenzoate is typically produced through a multi-step organic synthesis process. This process involves the reaction of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde with methanol in the presence of a catalyst to form the desired product. Subsequent purification steps may be required to obtain a high-purity form of Methyl 4-formylbenzoate.
Methyl 4-formylbenzoate can be procured from chemical suppliers or pharmaceutical companies that specialize in fine chemicals. The compound is typically available in both solid and liquid forms, depending on the specific application. Transportation of Methyl 4-formylbenzoate is usually done in sealed containers to prevent contamination and ensure the stability of the compound during transit.
When procuring Methyl 4-formylbenzoate, it is essential to ensure that the supplier adheres to strict quality control measures to guarantee the purity and consistency of the product. Proper storage conditions should also be maintained to prevent degradation or loss of potency. Additionally, appropriate safety precautions should be observed when handling and transporting Methyl 4-formylbenzoate to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for Methyl 4-formylbenzoate include proper storage and handling to avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. This compound should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats should be worn when working with Methyl 4-formylbenzoate to minimize the risk of exposure.
Hazard statements for Methyl 4-formylbenzoate include “Causes skin irritation” and “Causes serious eye irritation”. These statements indicate that this compound can cause irritation upon contact with skin or eyes. It is important to avoid direct skin and eye contact with Methyl 4-formylbenzoate and to wash affected areas thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
Precautionary statements for Methyl 4-formylbenzoate include “Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection” and “IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, and continue rinsing.” These statements emphasize the importance of wearing appropriate protective gear and taking prompt action in case of skin or eye contact with Methyl 4-formylbenzoate. It is important to follow these precautions to ensure safe handling of this compound.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for Methyl 4-formylbenzoate could be exploring its potential applications as a building block in organic synthesis. Researchers could investigate its reactivity with different functional groups to develop new chemical reactions or methodologies.
Another area of focus could be studying the pharmacological properties of Methyl 4-formylbenzoate. By understanding its biological activity, researchers may be able to explore its potential as a drug candidate or as a lead compound for drug discovery.
Additionally, research could be directed towards investigating the environmental and toxicological effects of Methyl 4-formylbenzoate. Understanding how this compound interacts with the environment and living organisms could provide valuable insights into its potential risks and benefits.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Methyl 4-formylbenzoate, also known as p-formylbenzoic acid methyl ester, is Ethyl 4-formylbenzoate. This compound has a similar molecular structure with a formyl group attached to the benzene ring. The only difference is the substitution of the methyl group with an ethyl group, resulting in a slight variation in chemical properties.
Another related compound is Methyl 4-acetylbenzoate, which has a similar molecular structure to Methyl 4-formylbenzoate but with an acetyl group instead of a formyl group. This substitution of the functional group can lead to differences in reactivity and solubility compared to Methyl 4-formylbenzoate.
A further example of a similar compound is Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate. This compound also shares a similar molecular structure with Methyl 4-formylbenzoate but differs in the functional group attached to the benzene ring. In this case, the formyl group is replaced with a hydroxyl group, leading to differences in chemical properties and potential uses.
