Magnesium methoxide

The use of magnesium methoxide for the deprotection of alkyl esters is described. This mild reagent provides a good method to cleave esters efficiently and more importantly, allows for effective differentiation between two different esters. Dimethyl carbonate is synthesized directly from carbon dioxide and methanol in the presence of magnesium methoxide. 20 mol% DEA additions to magnesium methoxide showed enhanced stability such that a time-dependent change in the sol was not observed in air. Also enhanced the crystallization process.

Magnesium Methoxide is prepared by addition of small batches of Magnesium metal to anhydrous MeOH.^[1]

Magnesium Methoxide is a weakly basic metal alkoxide; forms stable chelates with enolizable carbonyl compounds.

Flammable

core: magnesium

Magnesium Methoxide uses same precautions as for other metal alkoxides (see Potassium t-Butoxide); avoid contact with eyes and clothing; handle and conduct reactions under an inert atmosphere. For critical experiments, it is recommended that the reagent be freshly prepared. Use in a fume hood.

1. FF 1969, 2, 255.