o-Toluic Acid is a chemical compound that is commonly used in the production of various pharmaceuticals, dyes, and perfumes. It plays a crucial role in the synthesis of many important substances that are used in everyday consumer products. Additionally, o-Toluic Acid is also used as a precursor in the manufacturing of pesticides and herbicides, highlighting its significance in agriculture and pest control. Overall, o-Toluic Acid is a versatile compound with wide-ranging applications that impact various aspects of everyday life.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
o-Toluic Acid, also known as 2-Methylbenzoic Acid, has several commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as an intermediate in the production of fragrances, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, it serves as a key component in the synthesis of various chemicals, including pesticides and herbicides.
In the field of drug and medication applications, o-Toluic Acid is utilized as a precursor in the production of certain pharmaceutical compounds. Its role in drug manufacturing involves the creation of active pharmaceutical ingredients that have therapeutic effects on the human body. Furthermore, o-Toluic Acid is employed in the production of medications that treat various medical conditions, such as pain, inflammation, and infections.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
o-Toluic Acid is a white crystalline solid with a slight aromatic odor. It is typically found in the form of fine powder or small crystals.
The molar mass of o-Toluic Acid is approximately 136.15 g/mol, with a density of about 1.08 g/cm3. This places it in the range of common food items such as sugar (molar mass 342.3 g/mol, density 1.59 g/cm3) and salt (molar mass 58.44 g/mol, density 2.16 g/cm3).
o-Toluic Acid has a melting point of around 104-106°C and a boiling point of approximately 275-277°C. These values are higher compared to common food items like sugar (melting point 186°C, boiling point 368°C) and salt (melting point 801°C, boiling point 1465°C).
In water, o-Toluic Acid is sparingly soluble, forming a clear solution with low viscosity. This contrasts with common food items like sugar and salt, which are highly soluble in water and result in more viscous solutions.
🏭 Production & Procurement
o-Toluic Acid, also known as 2-methylbenzoic acid, is primarily produced through the oxidation of o-xylene. This process involves the reaction of o-xylene with oxygen or air in the presence of a catalyst, typically using a metal such as vanadium or manganese. The resulting product is a mixture of o- and p-Toluic Acid, which can then be separated through fractional distillation or crystallization.
o-Toluic Acid can be procured from chemical manufacturers or specialty suppliers that produce and distribute organic acids. It is typically available in solid form as white or off-white crystals or powder. The compound can be transported in sealed containers to prevent contamination and degradation during transit. Special care should be taken to avoid exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures, which could compromise the quality of the product.
When procuring o-Toluic Acid, buyers should ensure that the supplier meets regulatory standards for handling and transporting hazardous chemicals. Proper labeling and documentation should accompany the shipment to comply with safety regulations and facilitate customs clearance. It is advisable to store o-Toluic Acid in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances to maintain its stability and purity.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for o-Toluic Acid include the potential for skin and eye irritation upon contact. The substance may also be harmful if swallowed, leading to gastrointestinal irritation and potential organ damage. Inhaling o-Toluic Acid may cause respiratory irritation and damage to the respiratory system. Proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn when handling this substance to minimize the risk of exposure.
Hazard statements for o-Toluic Acid include “Causes skin and eye irritation” and “Harmful if swallowed.” These statements indicate the potential risks associated with coming into contact with the substance. It is important for individuals handling o-Toluic Acid to be aware of these hazards and take appropriate precautions to mitigate them.
Precautionary statements for o-Toluic Acid include “Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection” and “IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.” These measures are recommended to prevent or minimize the risks associated with handling the substance. It is important for individuals working with o-Toluic Acid to follow these precautionary statements to ensure their safety and well-being.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Potential research directions of o-Toluic Acid include its use as a precursor in organic synthesis, particularly in the formation of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes. Studying the reactions and mechanisms involved in the transformation of o-Toluic Acid could provide insights into improving the efficiency and selectivity of these processes. Additionally, exploring the potential applications of o-Toluic Acid derivatives in other fields such as materials science and catalysis could lead to the development of new technologies.
Investigating the environmental fate and behavior of o-Toluic Acid in natural systems is another promising research direction. Understanding the degradation pathways and persistence of o-Toluic Acid in soil, water, and air could help assess its potential impact on ecosystems and human health. Furthermore, studying the biodegradability of o-Toluic Acid and its derivatives could provide valuable information for designing sustainable waste management strategies.
Exploring the biological activities of o-Toluic Acid and its derivatives is an area of research that holds promise for the development of new therapeutic agents. Investigating the pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor effects, could lead to the discovery of novel drug candidates. Moreover, studying the interactions of o-Toluic Acid with biological macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, could provide insights into its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic targets.
🧪 Related Compounds
Analogous to o-Toluic Acid, m-Toluic Acid is a structural isomer wherein the methyl group is located at the meta position relative to the carboxylic acid group. This compound exhibits similar physical and chemical properties due to the presence of the aromatic ring and the carboxylic acid functional group. The position of the methyl group in the meta position confers different reactivity compared to o-Toluic Acid, which may result in distinct chemical reactions and biological activities.
p-Toluic Acid is another compound closely related to o-Toluic Acid, differing in the position of the methyl group on the aromatic ring. In p-Toluic Acid, the methyl group is situated at the para position with respect to the carboxylic acid group, leading to unique steric effects and electronic properties. Despite the positional isomerism, p-Toluic Acid shares similar physical and chemical properties with o-Toluic Acid due to the presence of the aromatic ring and the carboxylic acid functional group. This similarity allows for comparative studies on the reactivity and applications of these compounds in various fields.
Ethylbenzoic Acid is a related compound to o-Toluic Acid, with an ethyl group replacing the methyl group on the aromatic ring. This structural modification results in differences in size and bulkiness of the substituent, thereby affecting the compound’s solubility, reactivity, and biological activities. Ethylbenzoic Acid retains the characteristic properties of aromatic carboxylic acids, making it a valuable compound for investigating structure-activity relationships and exploring its potential applications in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry.
