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Anisole

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H8O
CAS number
100-66-3
IUPAC name
methoxymethylbenzene
State
State

Anisole is typically found as a liquid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
-37.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
236.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
154.20
Boiling point (Kelvin)
427.35
General information
Molecular weight
108.14g/mol
Molar mass
108.1370g/mol
Density
0.9950g/cm3
Appearence

Anisole is a colorless liquid with a pleasant, characteristic aromatic odor that is reminiscent of anise or licorice.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Methoxymethylbenzene

Methoxymethylbenzene, commonly known as benzyl methyl ether, has a unique solubility profile that can be summarized as follows:

  • Polar and Nonpolar Interactions: With its methoxy group (-OCH3), methoxymethylbenzene exhibits both polar and nonpolar characteristics, allowing it to interact with a range of solvents.
  • Solvent Compatibility:
    • It is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform.
    • It shows limited solubility in water due to the bulkiness of the aromatic ring and nonpolar characteristics.
  • Affect of Temperature: As temperature increases, the solubility of methoxymethylbenzene in certain solvents may increase, enhancing its ability to dissolve in organic mixtures.

In conclusion, while methoxymethylbenzene is moderately soluble in polar organic solvents, its solubility in water is quite low due to its hydrophobic characteristics. This dual nature allows for a wide range of applications in organic synthesis and materials science.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Methoxymethylbenzene

Methoxymethylbenzene, also known as anisyl methyl ether, is an aromatic ether that has garnered attention in both academic and industrial settings. This compound plays a significant role in various chemical processes and applications. Here are some interesting insights:

  • Structure and Stability: Methoxymethylbenzene is characterized by its unique structure, combining a methoxy group with a methyl group directly attached to a benzene ring. This structural arrangement contributes to its chemical stability and reactivity that researchers find appealing.
  • Applications in Organic Synthesis: One of the most notable uses of methoxymethylbenzene is as a reagent in organic synthesis. It's employed to produce various derivatives that are essential in pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, essentially leading to the development of new drugs.
  • Solvent Properties: Due to its ether functionality, methoxymethylbenzene exhibits distinctive solvent properties that make it advantageous in numerous chemical reactions. Its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds makes it a versatile choice in laboratories.
  • Environmental Considerations: While methoxymethylbenzene is beneficial in many applications, awareness of its environmental impact is crucial. Studies are ongoing to evaluate its biodegradability and potential toxicity, ensuring that its use aligns with sustainable practices.
  • Research Interest: The compound has gained attention in the scientific community for its potential as a precursor in the production of advanced materials. Researchers are exploring its reactivity to derive novel compounds that could have unique properties.

In summary, methoxymethylbenzene stands out as a versatile compound in organic chemistry, with applications ranging from synthesis to research. Its capability to bridge various chemical functionalities makes it a fascinating subject of study for chemists and students alike.

Synonyms
BENZYL METHYL ETHER
(methoxymethyl)benzene
538-86-3
Methyl benzyl ether
Ether, benzyl methyl
alpha-Methoxytoluene
1-(methoxymethyl)benzene
UNII-F22RLS78BD
F22RLS78BD
NSC 8058
NSC-8058
EINECS 208-705-7
AI3-21993
DTXSID5060227
DTXCID0041511
208-705-7
METHOXYMETHYLBENZENE
Benzene, (methoxymethyl)-
.alpha.-Methoxytoluene
MFCD00025901
Benzylmethylether
(Methoxymethyl);benzene
benzylmethyl ether
SCHEMBL794
.alpha.-Methylbenzyl ether
Benzyl methyl ether, 98%
SCHEMBL461963
SCHEMBL12305254
BENZYL METHYL ETHER [MI]
NSC8058
AAA53886
BBL011461
STL146573
AKOS005720940
CS-W013553
MS-20699
SY049310
DB-052419
B0424
NS00012009
EN300-30846
D88644
A829814
Q27277530
InChI=1/C8H10O/c1-9-7-8-5-3-2-4-6-8/h2-6H,7H2,1H