In the field of pharmaceutical chemistry, intermediates play a critical role in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). One such compound of growing importance is 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzoic acid (CAS: 7151-68-0), a benzoic acid derivative that serves as a valuable building block in drug development and industrial applications.
Name: 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzoic acid
CAS Number: 7151-68-0
Molecular Formula: C9H10O3
Molecular Weight: 166.17 g/mol
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
The presence of both methoxy (-OCH₃) and methyl (-CH₃) substituents on the benzene ring, along with the carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional group, makes this compound highly versatile in synthetic chemistry.
Pharmaceutical intermediates are essential precursors used in the multi-step synthesis of APIs. 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzoic acid is particularly significant due to its ability to undergo diverse chemical reactions such as esterification, amidation, and halogenation.
Some notable applications include:
API Synthesis:
Serves as a precursor in the production of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug molecules.
Utilized in the synthesis of cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS) drug candidates.
Intermediate for Advanced Derivatives:
Can be converted into esters or amides that act as intermediates for complex heterocyclic compounds.
Plays a role in fine-tuning pharmacological activity during drug discovery.
Medicinal Chemistry Research:
A useful scaffold in structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies.
Provides flexibility for chemists to introduce further modifications on the aromatic ring.
Stability: The compound is relatively stable under standard storage conditions.
Synthetic Accessibility: Readily available in commercial quantities for laboratory and industrial use.
Versatility: Supports a wide range of organic transformations, making it adaptable for multiple drug classes.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzoic acid finds applications in the synthesis of agrochemicals, dyes, and specialty chemicals. Its functional groups provide avenues for tailoring molecules with desired physicochemical properties, enhancing its importance in chemical research.
3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzoic acid (CAS: 7151-68-0) is more than just a simple benzoic acid derivative. As a pharmaceutical intermediate, it plays a pivotal role in drug synthesis and medicinal chemistry research, offering stability, reactivity, and versatility to synthetic pathways. With ongoing advances in pharmaceutical sciences, the demand for such reliable intermediates will continue to rise, highlighting their importance in the creation of life-saving medicines.
