Hazard
Possible carcinogen.
Chemical Properties
2-Methylimidazole is a white to light yellow crystalline powder with an amine-like odor. It is highly soluble in polar organic solvents.
Uses
2-Methylimidazole is a monomethylated imidazole that can be used as a building block in the preparation of a wide range of biologically active compounds. 2-Methylimidazole as well as other imidazoles
can be use as catalyst for refolding of enhanced coloured fluorescent protein. 2-Methylimidazole has been identified as a byproduct of fermentation and is detected in foods and mainstream and side-str
eam tobacco smoke.
Uses
Hardener or accelerator for epoxy
Preparation
2-Methylimidazole is prepared by condensation of glyoxal, ammonia and acetaldehyde, a Radziszewski reaction. It is widely used as a polymeriza tion cross-linking accelerator and a hardener for epoxy resin systems for semiconductor potting compounds and soldering masks.
It is obtained by eliminating dehydrogenation of 2-methylimidazoline. 2-methylimidazoline heated to melt (melting point 107 ℃), carefully add active nickel, raise the temperature to 200-210 ℃ reaction 2h. cool down to below 150 ℃, add water to dissolve, while hot pressure filtration, separation of active nickel, the filter Chemicalbook liquid concentrated to a temperature of 140 ℃ or more, put the material cooling that 2-methylimidazole. Use the method to produce purity of ≥ 98% of the product, 1t product consumption of ethylenediamine (95%) 1095kg, acetonitrile 975kg. better method is to use glyoxal and aldehyde as raw materials.
General Description
Pharmaceutical secondary standards for application in quality control, provide pharma laboratories and manufacturers with a convenient and cost-effective alternative to the preparation of in-house working standards.
Flammability and Explosibility
Notclassified
Purification Methods
Recrystallise 2-methylimidazole from *benzene or pet ether. The picrate has m 215o (from H2O). [Beilstein 23 III/IV 594, 23/5 V 35.]
Toxicity evaluation
2-Methylimidazole is harmful if swallowed and may cause severe skin burns and eye damage from exposure. It is also associated with adverse effects such as neurotoxins, reproductive toxins and toxic pneumonia. In vitro studies have shown a mouse LD50: 480 mg/kg (intraperitoneal); 1400 mg/kg (oral).
References
[1] Hachu?a B, et al. Crystal and Molecular Structure Analysis of 2-Methylimidazole. Journal of Chemical Crystallography, 2009; 40: 201–206.
