2,4-Dimethoxybenzaldehyde

White Solid

2,4-Dimethoxybenzaldehyde is used as a reagent to specifically quantify phlorotannins. It is also used as a component of hair dyes.

2,4-Dimethoxybenzaldehyde reacts specifically with 1,3-and 1,3,5-substituted phenols (e.g., phlorotannins) to form a colored product.

Synthesis, p. 166, 1984 DOI: 10.1055/s-1984-30768

2,4-Dimethoxybenzaldehyde causes skin irritation and serious eye irritation, it may cause respiratory irritation.

Pyrophosphoryl chloride (2.266 g, 9 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of cold (ice-bath) DMF (1.097 g, 15 mmol) and m-dimethoxybenzene (7.5 mmol) to give a thick green syrup. The mixture was heated at 65°C for 15 hours. The mixture was cooled to give a green solid. Dissolve the green solid in water. Alkalize the green solid with 2 M NaOH, leaving a yellow solid. Sublimation of the product (Kugelrohr) (140-150°C, 0.6 mm Hg) gave the title compound 2,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde.