3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoic acid methyl ester stands as a significant organic chemical compound recognized for its role in organic synthesis, especially in pharmaceutical and material science. Chemists know it under the formula C11H14O5. It falls under the methyl ester class, built on the framework of benzoic acid with three methoxy groups connected at the 3, 4, and 5 positions. That adds up to a structure where electron-donating groups shift the reactivity and offer distinctive characteristics useful in downstream applications. The systematic arrangement gives it qualities appreciated in research and development, as well as in commercial chemical projects.
C11H14O5 describes this compound down to each atom. Every molecule includes a benzene ring fixed with three methoxy groups and a carboxyl methyl ester group. The exact structure draws attention from chemists aiming for modifications or functional group insertions, critical for molecule design and innovation. The molar mass sits at 226.23 g/mol, and this makes calculation in laboratory procedures straightforward. In practice, the intricate distribution of methoxy groups next to the ester function brings out reactivity and solubility not found in simpler benzoic acid derivatives. The space-filling and ball-and-stick models lay out a clear pattern, showing steric effects and possible interaction points for further reaction or derivatization.
3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoic acid methyl ester presents as a solid at room temperature. Depending on crystallization and processing conditions, it may form as crystalline flakes, a fine powder, or needle-like crystals. Most materials display a melting point in the range of 95 to 98 °C, with minimal variance if prepared under strict purity conditions. The density hovers around 1.25 g/cm3, making it neither light nor exceptionally dense for an aromatic compound. The color reaches from off-white to pale yellow depending on the degree of exposure to air or slight impurities. Odor remains faint or practically absent, a feature many laboratory workers value during preparation and weighing. The compound dissolves in common organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, ether, and chloroform, yet water solubility is limited, which shapes its handling during isolation or purification.
Within synthesis settings, this ester acts as both a starting material and an intermediate. Reactivity centers around its ester group and the activated aromatic ring due to the electron-donating properties of the methoxy substituents. Hydrolysis flips the ester back to the corresponding acid, while reduction and substitution open different synthetic pathways valued in natural products and drug design. Chemists look towards its specific substituent pattern for selective functionalization. Its relative stability in storage cuts unwanted decomposition, offering a practical shelf life for laboratories and manufacturers. The combination of methoxy and ester makes it a go-to for constructing more complex organic molecules, a rare feature when compared to other benzoic esters.
Customarily, suppliers list purity above 98%, with trace water content below 0.5%. Appearance harmonizes with the description—solid, free-flowing, and without clumping. Impurities, if any, often consist of related benzoic acids or methyl ethers, but high-grade material undergoes thorough purification. Typical packaging uses sealed bottles or bags, measured in grams, kilograms, or metric tons, reflecting the needs of research and production. The Harmonized System (HS) Code, often provided for customs, commonly aligns under 29182900, reflecting its position among carboxylic acid derivatives and their esters, streamlining international handling and transport.
Handling in practice covers several physical forms, all solid at standard temperature and pressure. Flakes and crystalline powder dominate most deliveries, while pearls or granular types show up less due to the tendency for fine crystalline growth. As a solid, the substance supports stable storage and shipment, resisting deliquescence under ordinary conditions. The compound’s poor solubility in water blocks easy use in aqueous systems, but as a solution in organic solvents, transferring into reaction mixtures becomes routine. Solution preparations lighten the load for high-throughput reactions, especially if processed in advance.
Health and safety professionals expect standard care when working with this ester. Although not volatile, inhaling dust can irritate the respiratory tract. Direct contact may cause mild skin and eye irritation. Chemical safety guidelines stress gloves, eye protection, and a fume hood during transfer, weighing, or reaction setup. Understanding the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is crucial, since long-term exposure data remain sparse. Waste disposal should follow local regulations, treating the material as a hazardous organic compound. Safe storage means cool, dry conditions, and shielding from light and oxidizing agents. No major reports detail significant toxicity, but the structural similarity to other methoxybenzoic acids hints at the need for responsible handling, given possible metabolic effects if mishandled.
3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoic acid methyl ester acts both as a starting material and an intermediate for a broad array of chemicals in pharmaceuticals, fragrance synthesis, and materials science. Its methoxy arrangement attracts interest for constructing analogs of natural products, particularly compounds modeling plant-derived molecules. Research teams exploit the stability of the ester function for stepwise syntheses, where selective deprotection sets up synthetic routes that cannot run with more reactive or unstable analogs. In the laboratory, its robust aromatic structure and controlled reactivity foster diverse applications—coatings, dye intermediates, and biologically active compounds see regular incorporation. Sourcing hinges on reliable manufacturers capable of guaranteeing high purity and traceability, aiding both academic research and regulated industrial synthesis.
This ester’s raw material base often tracks upstream to petrochemical derivatives, feeding into the production of methoxybenzoic acids and onward to methylation. Laboratories and industry alike face growing scrutiny over the environmental impact of each chemical—a factor shaping material selection, especially as green chemistry research aims for more sustainable starting materials. Some innovators in the field push for bio-based syntheses, trimming waste streams and carbon footprints. With regulatory pressure mounting worldwide, understanding both the origin and potential ecological concerns of the raw materials for this compound can drive decision-making and foster more responsible chemistry throughout the supply chain.
Handling requires care; risks revolve around accidental inhalation, ingestion, and extended exposure. Eye or skin contact may prompt mild irritation, so PPE is key during routine operations. Facilities with proper ventilation and spill response protocols reduce the chance of harmful exposure. Waste minimization and process optimization limit hazardous by-products. Training plays a key role, since many chemical incidents trace back to shortcuts or oversights. Regular audits and risk assessments ensure that sourcing, storage, and disposal align with both local laws and international guidelines. Safer alternatives could emerge with future research, but until then, full transparency on risk and clear communication remain every lab and production line’s responsibility.
