2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol NEW

2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol is a protected form of glycerol, commonly known as solketal. Its chemical structure and key features are:

Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₂O₃

Molecular Weight: 132.16 g/mol

Structure:

• A 5-membered cyclic ketal (1,3-dioxolane ring) derived from glycerol (where the 1,2-diol group reacts with acetone).

• Has two methyl groups (-CH₃) attached to the acetal carbon (position 2).

• A hydroxymethyl group (-CH₂OH) attached to position 4 (the former glycerol C3).

• Chiral center at carbon 4.

      CH₃  

       |  

    CH₃-C  

       |     \  

    O-----O  

       |     |  

    H-C-H    |  

       |     |  

    H₂C-OH   (ring closure)  

Key Properties:

• Solvent: Used in biofuels (glycerol valorization), coatings, and cleaning formulations (lower toxicity than acetone).

• Synthetic Intermediate: Protects glycerol's diol group, leaving the primary -CH₂OH free for reactions; widely used in organic synthesis (e.g., pharmaceuticals, lipids).

• Appearance: Colorless liquid.

• Boiling Point: ~ 188-191 °C.

• Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents.

• Function:

  Synthesis: Acid-catalyzed reaction of glycerol with acetone.

  Safety: Generally low toxicity, but handle as a chemical (avoid inhalation/contact).

In essence: It's solketal (C₆H₁₂O₃), a versatile bio-based solvent and crucial chiral building block derived from glycerol protection.