3-Methoxy-p-toluic Acid (CAS No. 7151-68-0) is an important aromatic carboxylic acid used widely in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical research, and specialty chemical manufacturing. With its unique substitution pattern and stable aromatic structure, it serves as a valuable intermediate for developing high-performance compounds across multiple industries. This article explores its properties, industrial uses, and the crucial role it plays in modern chemical synthesis.
Chemical Name: 3-Methoxy-p-toluic Acid
CAS Number: 7151-68-0
Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₀O₃
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Functional Groups:
Methoxy group (–OCH₃) at the 3-position
Methyl group on the para position
Carboxylic acid group (–COOH)
The presence of both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups on the aromatic ring enhances the compound’s reactivity, making it suitable for various chemical transformations.
3-Methoxy-p-toluic Acid exhibits a set of properties that make it a preferred choice for chemical synthesis:
Stable aromatic backbone offering high structural reliability
Moderate solubility in organic solvents
Acidic functional group ideal for esterification and amidation
Methoxy substituent increases electron density, enabling selective activation
These characteristics make it highly versatile for synthetic chemistry and industrial processes.
3-Methoxy-p-toluic Acid is widely used as a key intermediate in drug development. It serves as a precursor for:
Anti-inflammatory agents
Analgesics
Cardiovascular and CNS drug candidates
Custom molecules for medicinal chemistry research
Pharmaceutical manufacturers value its predictable reactivity and stability during multi-step syntheses.
In the agrochemical sector, this compound is used to produce:
Herbicides
Fungicides
Crop-protection formulations
Its functional groups allow the creation of molecules that offer enhanced biological activity and environmental stability.
3-Methoxy-p-toluic Acid is an important building block in fine chemical production, supporting the manufacture of:
Specialty esters
High-performance polymers
Organic intermediates
Aroma and flavor precursors
Its aromatic framework and carboxyl functionality make it ideal for advanced organic modifications.
Academic and industrial R&D labs use this compound in studies involving:
Organic reaction mechanisms
Synthesis of aromatic derivatives
Structure–activity relationships
Custom molecular design
Its clean reactivity and well-understood chemistry make it a preferred model compound in laboratory synthesis.
3-Methoxy-p-toluic Acid is valued for its:
Synthetic flexibility: Compatible with numerous reactions including esterification, halogenation, amidation, and coupling reactions
Functional reliability: Electron-donating methoxy group supports selective aromatic substitutions
Industry-wide applicability: Suitable for pharmaceuticals, materials science, and specialty chemicals
Scalability: Easily integrated into both lab-scale and industrial-scale processes
Its structural versatility allows chemists to design complex organic molecules with precision, making it a vital intermediate in today’s advanced chemical manufacturing landscape.
3-Methoxy-p-toluic Acid (7151-68-0) is a versatile and reliable compound with significant value across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, specialty chemicals, and R&D sectors. Its balanced chemical structure and predictable reactivity make it indispensable in modern organic synthesis. As demand for high-performance compounds continues to grow, this aromatic acid remains a foundational building block for innovation in multiple industries.
