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Methyl 2-methylbutanoate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H12O2
CAS number
868-57-5
IUPAC name
methyl 2-methylbutanoate
State
State

At room temperature, methyl 2-methylbutanoate is in a liquid state. It is easily pourable and can be blended with other organic solvents due to its liquid nature.

Melting point (Celsius)
-86.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
187.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
118.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
391.15
General information
Molecular weight
116.16g/mol
Molar mass
116.1580g/mol
Density
0.8867g/cm3
Appearence

Methyl 2-methylbutanoate is a clear liquid with a fruity odor, reminiscent of apples or pears. It is colorless and has a pleasant, sweet smell, making it a common ingredient in fragrances and flavorings. Its liquid form makes it easy to handle and mix with other compounds.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Methyl 2-methylbutanoate

Methyl 2-methylbutanoate, a fruity-smelling ester, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that deserve attention. Its solubility can be categorized based on different solvents:

  • Polar solvents: Methyl 2-methylbutanoate is relatively soluble in polar organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.
  • Apolar solvents: It shows a good degree of solubility in non-polar solvents, particularly hexane and benzene.
  • Water: This compound is insoluble in water, which is a common trait among many esters due to their hydrophobic hydrocarbon chains.

In practice, the solubility of methyl 2-methylbutanoate can be described using the following guidelines:

  1. Increased temperature usually enhances solubility in both polar and non-polar solvents.
  2. In mixtures, the presence of more polar components can sometimes facilitate solubility adjustments.
  3. It tends to mix well with other esters and organic compounds, making it valuable in various applications.

This unique solubility profile plays a crucial role in the compound's applications in flavoring, fragrance, and synthesis processes, demonstrating the interplay between molecular structure and solubility characteristics.

Interesting facts

Exploring Methyl 2-methylbutanoate

Methyl 2-methylbutanoate is an intriguing ester with distinct characteristics and applications. This compound is classified as an ester due to its formation from an acid (specifically, 2-methylbutanoic acid) and an alcohol (methanol). Here are some fascinating aspects of this compound:

  • Flavor and Aroma: Methyl 2-methylbutanoate is notable for its sweet, fruity aroma. This quality makes it a popular ingredient in the food industry, where it is used as a flavoring agent in various confectioneries and beverages.
  • Natural Occurrence: Interestingly, this ester can be found in nature, especially in some fruits and plants. It contributes to the natural scent and flavor profiles that we associate with certain fruits, enhancing our sensory experience.
  • Versatility: Beyond its use in food, methyl 2-methylbutanoate serves applications in the cosmetic and fragrance industries. Its pleasant scent makes it a favorite in perfumes and scented products.
  • Chemical Reactions: Methyl 2-methylbutanoate participates in various chemical reactions typical of esters. It can undergo hydrolysis, transesterification, and can act as a reagent in organic synthesis, showcasing the versatile role esters can play in chemical reactions.
  • Safety and Handling: While it is generally recognized as safe for consumption, proper laboratory practices should be followed when handling this compound to avoid any potential hazards.

As a chemistry student or a scientist, understanding the properties and applications of compounds like methyl 2-methylbutanoate opens the door to a deeper appreciation of organic chemistry and the synthesis of useful materials. This compound not only enriches our culinary experiences but also contributes significantly to various industries!

Synonyms
Methyl 2-methylbutyrate
868-57-5
METHYL 2-METHYLBUTANOATE
Butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, methyl ester
Butyric acid, 2-methyl-, methyl ester
Methyl anteisovalerate
FEMA No. 2719
Methyl alpha-methylbutyrate
Methyl alpha-methylbutanoate
Methyl .alpha.-methylbutyrate
Methyl .alpha.-methylbutanoate
OLG4D4939V
DTXSID1052587
2-methylbutanoic acid methyl ester
Methyl 2-methylbutyrate (natural)
EINECS 212-778-0
AI3-34461
Butyric acid, .alpha.-methyl-, methyl ester
DTXCID2031160
METHYL 2-METHYLBUTYRATE [FCC]
METHYL 2-METHYLBUTYRATE [FHFI]
METHYL DL-.ALPHA.-METHYLBUTYRATE
.ALPHA.-METHYLBUTYRIC ACID METHYL ESTER
METHYL DL-ALPHA-METHYLBUTYRATE
ALPHA-METHYLBUTYRIC ACID METHYL ESTER
BUTYRIC ACID, ALPHA-METHYL-, METHYL ESTER
212-778-0
(+-)-methyl .alpha.-methylbutyrate
(+-)-methyl 2-methylbutanoate
(+-)-methyl alpha-methylbutyrate
METHYL2-METHYLBUTYRATE
Methyl DL-2-Methylbutyrate
Methyl (S)-2-Methylbutanoate
2-Methylbutyric acid methyl ester
dl-2-Methylbutyric acid methyl ester
(+/-)-Methyl 2-methylbutanoate
CHEBI:88538
2-Methylbutyric acid-methyl ester
(+/-)-METHYL .ALPHA.-METHYLBUTYRATE
methyl 2-methyl butyrate
53955-81-0
UNII-OLG4D4939V
MFCD00009335
SCHEMBL108113
Methyl 2-methylbutyrate, 99%
(+/-)-Methyl a-methylbutyrate
CHEMBL2287316
FEMA 2719
a-Methylbutyric acid methyl ester
Methyl (+/-)-2-methylbutanoate
2-Methylbutyric acid, methyl ester
2-methyl-butanoic acid methyl ester
AAA86857
2-Methylbutanoic acid, methyl ester
Tox21_303742
LMFA07010934
AKOS009117977
alpha-methyl-butyric acid methyl ester
FS-3839
Methyl ester of 2-methyl-butanoic acid
NCGC00357048-01
CAS-868-57-5
(+/-)-METHYL ALPHA-METHYLBUTYRATE
DB-056956
CS-0132254
M0758
Methyl 2-methylbutyrate, >=98%, FCC, FG
Methyl 2-methylbutyrate, analytical standard
NS00012916
E75864
EN300-254095
Butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, methyl ester, ( )-
Butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, methyl ester, (plusmn)-
Butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, methyl ester, (.+/-.)-
Methyl 2-methylbutyrate, natural, >=98%, FCC, FG
Q24734848