Skip to main content

Methyl methylbenzoates

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C9H10O2
CAS number
2529-81-7 (ortho), 99-36-5 (meta), 104-93-8 (para)
IUPAC name
methyl 2-methylbenzoate;methyl 3-methylbenzoate;methyl 4-methylbenzoate
State
State

Methyl methylbenzoates are found as liquids at room temperature. They belong to the ester class of organic compounds.

Melting point (Celsius)
-37.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
236.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
219.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
492.15
General information
Molecular weight
136.15g/mol
Molar mass
136.1490g/mol
Density
1.0420g/cm3
Appearence

Methyl methylbenzoates can appear as clear or slightly yellowish colored liquids, depending on the specific isomer. They have a characteristic ester-like odor.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Methyl 2-methylbenzoate, Methyl 3-methylbenzoate, and Methyl 4-methylbenzoate

The solubility of the methyl esters, specifically methyl 2-methylbenzoate, methyl 3-methylbenzoate, and methyl 4-methylbenzoate, can be influenced by various factors such as their molecular structure and polarity.

General Solubility Characteristics:

  • These compounds are generally moderately soluble in organic solvents, including ether and acetone.
  • In water, their solubility is typically low due to the hydrophobic nature imparted by the aromatic ring.
  • The presence of the methyl group on the benzoate moiety can enhance solubility slightly compared to other benzoate esters that lack such substitutions.

When discussing the solubility of these compounds, it's important to note:

  • Substituent Position: The position of the methyl group on the benzene ring can slightly affect interactions with solvents.
  • Temperature: Solubility may increase with temperature, which is a common trait among organic compounds.
  • Hydrophilic vs Hydrophobic: The presence of additional polar functional groups would significantly enhance solubility in water.

In summary, while methyl 2-methylbenzoate, methyl 3-methylbenzoate, and methyl 4-methylbenzoate exhibit some solubility in organic solvents, their overall low water solubility is defined primarily by their aromatic components and non-polar characteristics. Understanding these properties not only helps in predicting behavior in various environments but also in their applications across different industries.

Interesting facts

Exciting Insights into Methylbenzoates

Methyl 2-methylbenzoate, methyl 3-methylbenzoate, and methyl 4-methylbenzoate are fascinating compounds that belong to the family of benzoate esters. While they share a common structure, their slight differences in methyl group positioning lead to unique properties and applications. Here are some interesting facts about these three isomers:

Structural Diversity

  • Methyl 2-methylbenzoate: This compound features a methyl group at the ortho position, which can influence its reactivity and interaction with biological systems.
  • Methyl 3-methylbenzoate: With the methyl group in the meta position, this isomer has different steric and electronic properties compared to its ortho counterpart.
  • Methyl 4-methylbenzoate: The para position of the methyl group allows for a degree of symmetry, often resulting in distinctive physical and chemical behavior.

Applications in Industry

These compounds are not just academic curiosities; they have practical applications! Some common uses include:

  • Fragrance and flavoring agents: Due to their pleasant sweet and fruity aromas, methylbenzoates are often employed in perfumes and food flavorings.
  • Synthetic intermediates: They can serve as precursors in organic synthesis, offering pathways to create other valuable chemical compounds.
  • Research compounds: These esters are used in studies investigating the behaviors and reactions of aromatic compounds.

In Nature

Interestingly, compounds similar to methylbenzoates can be found in plant essential oils and perfumes, where they contribute to the natural scents we experience. This highlights the connection between organic chemistry and the world around us.

As you can see, even simple esters like methyl 2-methylbenzoate, methyl 3-methylbenzoate, and methyl 4-methylbenzoate provide a wealth of knowledge and applications in both natural and synthetic environments. Their small structural differences have big implications!