Skip to main content

2-Methyl-2-phenylbutyric acid

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C11H14O2
CAS number
94-47-3
IUPAC name
2-methyl-2-phenyl-butanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, 2-Methyl-2-phenylbutyric acid is in its solid-state, typically appearing as crystalline in structure.

Melting point (Celsius)
111.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
384.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
279.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
552.15
General information
Molecular weight
178.25g/mol
Molar mass
178.2470g/mol
Density
0.9809g/cm3
Appearence

2-Methyl-2-phenylbutyric acid is a white crystalline solid with a distinct and strong odor. It appears as either colorless or pale yellow crystals, depending on its purity. The compound is known for its odor, which is often characteristic of its use or synthesis conditions.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-methyl-2-phenyl-butanoic acid

2-methyl-2-phenyl-butanoic acid, a branched-chain carboxylic acid, exhibits intriguing solubility characteristics owing to its unique structure. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Solvent Interaction: This compound is generally soluble in polar organic solvents such as alcohols and acetone, but shows limited solubility in water.
  • Hydrophobic vs. Hydrophilic: The presence of the hydrophobic aromatic ring contributes to its reduced solubility in aqueous solutions, while the carboxylic functional group tends to be hydrophilic.
  • Temperature Dependency: Solubility can increase with temperature; hence, it might be more soluble in hot solvents compared to when cold.
  • Ionization: In a basic environment, 2-methyl-2-phenyl-butanoic acid may ionize, enhancing its solubility in water.

In conclusion, while 2-methyl-2-phenyl-butanoic acid has some solubility in various organic solvents, its overall aqueous solubility is quite limited, defined primarily by the balance of hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions within its molecular structure. 
Understanding these solubility characteristics is crucial for applications in pharmaceuticals, where the transport and bioavailability of the compound are impacted significantly by solubility.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-methyl-2-phenyl-butanoic acid

2-methyl-2-phenyl-butanoic acid is a fascinating compound that showcases the diverse nature of organic chemistry. Here are some intriguing points about this compound:

  • Structural Diversity: The compound features a branched aliphatic chain with both methyl and phenyl groups, which provides opportunities for various chemical reactions and applications in organic synthesis.
  • Importance in Synthesis: 2-methyl-2-phenyl-butanoic acid can serve as an intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, highlighting how one compound can pave the way for the development of essential products.
  • Chirality: Due to the presence of multiple chiral centers, this compound offers insights into stereochemistry, an important aspect for the design of drugs that must fit specifically into biological receptors.
  • Relevance in Studying Acidity: As a carboxylic acid, it provides a model for studying acid-base reactions, helping students and researchers understand intrinsic properties that influence molecular behavior in various environments.
  • Cultural Impact: Compounds like 2-methyl-2-phenyl-butanoic acid may play unnoticed roles in our daily lives, potentially influencing flavors, fragrances, or even the development of novel materials.

Overall, 2-methyl-2-phenyl-butanoic acid is more than just a chemical entity; it serves as a gateway to exploring broader concepts in chemistry and its applications in the real world. As scientists continue to investigate and manipulate such compounds, they open doors to innovative solutions for modern challenges.

Synonyms
2-methyl-2-phenylbutanoic acid
51018-80-5
828-41-1
BUTYRIC ACID, 2-METHYL-2-PHENYL-
NSC-133936
2-methyl-2-phenyl-butyric acid
2-Methyl-2-phenylbutyric acid
Benzeneacetic acid, alpha-ethyl-alpha-methyl-, (+/-)-
NSC 133936
2-methyl-2-phenylbutanoicacid
NSC133936
methylphenylbutyric acid
Benzeneacetic acid, alpha-ethyl-alpha-methyl-
72Y3W5FT6P
SCHEMBL1492728
IDZLDUPVMGWZLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
DTXSID101295621
BCA01880
MFCD00267946
AKOS012033192
alpha-Ethyl-alpha-methylbenzeneacetic acid
NS-01530
I+/--Ethyl-I+/--methylbenzeneacetic acid
Benzeneacetic acid, -ethyl--methyl-, ()-
DB-240279
CS-0012561
EN300-748912