Chemical Properties
white low melting crystalline solid and/or
Uses
Methyl
p-toluate has been employesd as catalyst to investigate the effect of internal/external donor pair in high-yield catalysts for propylene polymerization.
Application
Methyl 4-methylbenzoate offers interesting and pleasant variations
in the Methylbenzoate theme in Ylang-Ylang,
and it introdums powerful, floral notes in soap
and detergent perfumes or, thanks to its low
cost, it may be used even in fragrances for
masking of industrial odors.
Synthesis Reference(s)
The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 54, p. 1144, 1989
DOI: 10.1021/jo00266a028Synthetic Communications, 20, p. 3273, 1990
General Description
Opaque colorless to white shiny crystalline solid. Intense unpleasant odor.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Methyl 4-methylbenzoate is an ester. 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
Methyl 4-methylbenzoate is combustible.
