Description
Anisole is a colorless liquid with a spicy-sweet smell. Anisole can be produced by all the aforementioned methods. It is an important intermediate in the synthesis of organic compounds, for example fragrances and pharmaceuticals. The compound is also used as a solvent and as a heat transfer medium.
Occurrence
Anisole is a natural product found in apple juice and in the oil of Artemisia dracunculus var. turkestanica; also reported found in butter, Camembert cheese, roasted beef, olive (Olea europae), Malay apple, Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), Bourbon vanilla, truffles, crab and sopadilla fruit (Achras sapota L.).
Application
Anisole is an organic compound with the chemical formula C7H8O with a pleasant anise-like aroma, used in organic synthesis and also as a solvent, fragrance and insect repellent. For organic synthesis, it is also used as solvent, fragrance and insect repellent.
Definition
ChEBI: Anisole is a monomethoxybenzene that is benzene substituted by a methoxy group. It has a role as a plant metabolite.
Preparation
Anisole is synthesized by reacting phenol and dimethyl sulfate in the presence of aqueous NaOH; by passing methyl chloride into a suspension of sodium phenolate in liquid ammonia.
Aroma threshold values
Detection: 50 ppb
Synthesis Reference(s)
Canadian Journal of Chemistry, 40, p. 441, 1962
DOI: 10.1139/v62-070Journal of the American Chemical Society, 88, p. 4271, 1966
DOI: 10.1021/ja00970a037Organic Syntheses, Coll. Vol. 1, p. 58, 1941
General Description
A clear straw-colored liquid with an aromatic odor. Insoluble in water and the same density as water. Vapors heavier than air. Flash point 125°F. Boiling point 307°F. Moderately toxic by ingestion. A skin irritant. Used to make perfumes, flavorings and as a solvent.
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Ethers tend to form unstable peroxides when exposed to oxygen. Ethyl, isobutyl, ethyl tert-butyl, and ethyl tert-pentyl ether are particularly hazardous in this respect. Ether peroxides can sometimes be observed as clear crystals deposited on containers or along the surface of the liquid. Insoluble in water
Reactivity Profile
Ethers, such as Anisole(100-66-3) can act as bases. They form salts with strong acids and addition complexes with Lewis acids. The complex between diethyl ether and boron trifluoride is an example. Ethers may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. In other reactions, which typically involve the breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond, ethers are relatively inert.
Health Hazard
Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Potential Exposure
Anisole is used as a solvent; a flavoring,
vermicide, making perfumes; and in organic synthesis.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet away from ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Before enteringconfined space where anisole may be present, check tomake sure that an explosive concentration does not exist.Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated,fireproof area. Metal containers involving the transfer ofthis chemical should be grounded and bonded. Wherepossible, automatically pump liquid from drums or otherstorage containers to process containers. Drums must beequipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs,and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers ofthis chemical. Sources of ignition, such as smoking andopen flames, are prohibited where this chemical is used,handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potentialfire or explosion hazard.
Shipping
Anisole requires a shipping label of“FLAMMABLE LIQUID.” Anisole falls in Hazard Class 3,Packing Group III.[19, 20]
Purification Methods
Shake anisole with half its volume of 2M NaOH, and the emulsion is allowed to separate. Repeat three times, then wash twice with water, dry over CaCl2, filter, dry over sodium wire and finally distil it from fresh sodium under N2 using a Dean-Stark trap (samples in the trap being rejected until free from turbidity) [Caldin et al. J Chem Soc, Faraday Trans 1 72 1856 1976]. Alternatively dry it with CaSO4 or CaCl2, or by refluxing with sodium or BaO with crystalline FeSO4 or by passage through an alumina column. Traces of phenols are removed by prior shaking with 2M NaOH, followed by washing with water. It has been be purified by zone refining. [Beilstein 6 IV 548.]
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine,
bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong
bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides.
Waste Disposal
Dissolve or mix the material
with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator
equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal,
state, and local environmental regulations must be
observed.
