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Methyl ferulate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C11H12O4
CAS number
4046-02-0
IUPAC name
methyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)prop-2-enoate
State
State

At room temperature, methyl ferulate is a solid.

Melting point (Celsius)
74.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
347.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
354.70
Boiling point (Kelvin)
627.85
General information
Molecular weight
208.20g/mol
Molar mass
208.2040g/mol
Density
1.1676g/cm3
Appearence

Methyl ferulate is a crystalline solid that appears as a white to slightly yellow powder. Its crystalline nature gives it an identifiable uniformity in texture and structure.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Methyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)prop-2-enoate

Methyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)prop-2-enoate, a compound featuring multiple functional groups, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics. Its solubility can be influenced by various factors including:

  • Polarity: The presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) and methoxy (-OCH3) groups enhances its polarity, which generally increases solubility in polar solvents like water.
  • Hydrogen bonding: The hydroxyl group can engage in hydrogen bonding, improving its interactions with polar solvents.
  • Solvent choice: The compound is typically more soluble in organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone) due to the hydrophobic aromatic ring contributing to its solubility profile.
  • Temperature: Increased temperature often promotes solubility, allowing the compound to dissolve more readily in selected solvents.

In summary, one can say that:

"Methyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)prop-2-enoate is soluble in polar and non-polar solvents, but the extent of its solubility varies based on solvent type and environmental conditions."

The intricate balance of its functional groups plays a crucial role in determining its solubility behavior, making it an intriguing subject for further study.

Interesting facts

Methyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)prop-2-enoate: An Overview

Methyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)prop-2-enoate, often referred to as a derivative of the flavonoids, represents a fascinating compound due to its structural complexity and functional properties. Here are some intriguing aspects that highlight its significance:

Chemical Structure and Characteristics

  • Flavonoid Derivative: This compound belongs to the flavonoid family, known for their wide array of biological activities.
  • Functional Groups: It contains multiple functional groups that contribute to its chemical behavior, including hydroxyl and methoxy groups, which enhance its solubility and reactivity.
  • Unsaturated Ester: The presence of a double bond in the prop-2-enoate portion indicates its potential for various reactions, such as polymerization and addition reactions.

Biological Significance

  • Antioxidant Properties: Methyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)prop-2-enoate is believed to exhibit antioxidant activity due to its phenolic structure, which can scavenge free radicals.
  • Potential Health Benefits: Research has suggested that flavonoid derivatives may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory properties, and even anti-cancer activities.

Applications in Research and Industry

  • Pharmaceutical Development: The compound is of interest in drug development for its potential therapeutic applications.
  • Food Industry: Due to its antioxidant properties, it might be incorporated into food products to enhance shelf life and nutritional value.

As with many compounds drawn from nature, the exploration of methyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)prop-2-enoate opens a gateway to both understanding complex biochemical interactions and developing innovative applications in medicine and industry. As famous chemist Carl Friedrich Gauss stated, "Mathematics is the queen of the sciences," similarly, organic chemistry can be viewed as the lifeblood of innovation in scientific realms.

Synonyms
SCHEMBL510492
AUJXJFHANFIVKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
DTXSID801347441
methyl 3-methoxy-4-hydroxycinnamate
methyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-cinnamate
SY266131
METHYL-4-HYDROXY-3-METHOXYCINNAMATE