Chemical Properties
Catechol methylene ether is a colorless liquid. Sp.Gr. 1.19. B.P. 172° C. Pleasant, sweet, floral odor, remotely resembling Anise and Heliotrope, but more
diffusive and of poor tenacity. Commercial samples of doubtful purity
show harsh Anisole-like odor.
Uses
Suggested for use in perfume compositions,
but its high vapor pressure at room temperature makes it somewhat difficult to “control”,
particularly since it cannot be applied in very
high percentage, being of a rather unusual
odor type.
Preparation
(1) from Pyrocatechol plus Methylene chloride
with Sodium ethoxide in Ethyl alcohol.
(2) from Pyrocatechol in weak aqueous Sodium hydroxide solution with Methylene
iodide.
