Methyl 4-formylbenzoate

Chemical Properties

white crystalline powder

Uses

4-Formylbenzoic Acid Methyl Ester is a benzoic acid derivative with antioxidant activity.

Uses

Methyl 4-formylbenzoate is used in the preparation of dimethyl terephthalate. It is also used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient intermediate and fluorescent brightener intermediate.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron, 64, p. 688, 2008 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2007.11.030

General Description

Needles (in water) or white powder.

Air & Water Reactions

Methyl 4-formylbenzoate may be sensitive to prolonged exposure to air. . Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Methyl 4-formylbenzoate is an aldehyde/ester. Aldehydes are frequently involved in self-condensation or polymerization reactions. These reactions are exothermic; they are often catalyzed by acid. Aldehydes are readily oxidized to give carboxylic acids. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of aldehydes with azo, diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. Aldehydes can react with air to give first peroxo acids, and ultimately carboxylic acids. These autoxidation reactions are activated by light, catalyzed by salts of transition metals, and are autocatalytic (catalyzed by the products of the reaction). The addition of stabilizers (antioxidants) to shipments of aldehydes retards autoxidation. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for Methyl 4-formylbenzoate are not available. Methyl 4-formylbenzoate is probably combustible.