Overview & Chemical Identity
CAS Number: 21962-45-8
Chemical Name: 4-Formyl-3-methoxybenzonitrile
IUPAC Name: 4-Formyl-3-methoxybenzonitrile
Synonyms:
4-Cyano-2-methoxybenzaldehyde;
3-Methoxy-4-formylbenzonitrile;
Vanillin nitrile derivative
Molecular Formula: C₉H₇NO₂
Molecular Weight: ~161.16 g/mol
Physical & Chemical Properties
Appearance: Off-white to light yellow crystalline powder
Physical State: Solid
Melting Point: Typically reported in the range of 100–110 °C (may vary depending on purity)
Boiling Point: Not well-defined (may decompose at elevated temperatures)
Solubility:
Soluble in common organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, and DMSO; limited solubility in water
Stability:
Stable under normal laboratory conditions; sensitive to strong oxidizing or reducing agents
Structural & Molecular Identifiers
Functional Groups:
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Aldehyde group (–CHO)
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Nitrile group (–C≡N)
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Methoxy group (–OCH₃)
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Aromatic benzene ring
Chemical Class:
Aromatic aldehyde / Aromatic nitrile derivative
SMILES (representative):
COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C=O)C#N
InChI Key (representative):
(Varies by database; available from chemical registries)
Functionality & Applications
Organic Synthesis Intermediate
21962-45-8 is widely used as a multifunctional aromatic building block in organic synthesis due to the presence of reactive aldehyde and nitrile groups. It is particularly valuable for:
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Carbon–carbon bond formation reactions
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Condensation reactions (e.g., Knoevenagel reactions)
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Formation of heterocyclic compounds
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Schiff base synthesis
The aldehyde functionality allows further derivatization, while the nitrile group enables additional transformation into amides, acids, or heterocycles.
Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemical Synthesis
Used as an intermediate in:
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Synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
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Agrochemical intermediates
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Specialty and fine chemical manufacturing
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Functional material development
Its dual functional groups provide synthetic flexibility for complex molecular design.
Research & Development
Commonly employed in:
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Academic research laboratories
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Medicinal chemistry programs
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Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies
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Development of novel aromatic and heterocyclic frameworks
The combination of aldehyde, nitrile, and methoxy substituents enhances its reactivity profile for multi-step synthetic pathways.
Safety & Handling
GHS Classification (typical for similar compounds):
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Harmful if swallowed
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Causes skin and eye irritation
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May cause respiratory irritation
Common Hazard Statements:
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H302: Harmful if swallowed
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H315: Causes skin irritation
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H319: Causes serious eye irritation
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H335: May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements:
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P261: Avoid breathing dust
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P280: Wear protective gloves and eye protection
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P305 + P351 + P338: IF IN EYES, rinse cautiously with water and remove contact lenses
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P301 + P312: IF SWALLOWED, call a doctor if you feel unwell
Handle in a well-ventilated laboratory using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Practical Details & Supplier Information
Typical Purity: 97–99% (Research and Industrial Grade)
Storage Conditions:
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Store in a tightly sealed container
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Keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area
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Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
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Keep away from strong oxidizing agents
Commercial Use:
Available from specialty chemical suppliers for research and industrial organic synthesis applications.
Not intended for direct pharmaceutical, food, or diagnostic use without proper regulatory compliance.
Summary Statement
21962-45-8 (4-Formyl-3-methoxybenzonitrile) is an important multifunctional aromatic intermediate widely used in organic synthesis. The presence of aldehyde, nitrile, and methoxy functional groups makes it highly versatile for pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical applications, particularly in condensation reactions and heterocyclic compound synthesis.
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