Methoxybenzene, also known as anisole, is an aromatic compound with a methoxy group (-OCH3) attached to a benzene ring. It is commonly used as a solvent and flavoring agent.
| IUPAC Name | Methoxybenzene |
| Molecular Formula | C7H8O |
| CAS Number | 100-66-3 |
| Synonyms | Anisole, Methoxybenzene, Methylanisole, Methyl phenyl ether, Phenoxymethane, Anisyl alcohol, Anisole, Phenyl methyl ether |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C7H8O/c1-8-7-5-3-2-4-6-7/h2-6H,1H3 |
Anisole density g/ml
Methoxybenzene has a density of 0.995 g/mL at room temperature. Density is the mass of a substance per unit volume, and it is an important physical property for determining the purity and concentration of a sample. Methoxybenzene is less dense than water, which has a density of 1 g/mL, and is slightly less dense than benzene (0.879 g/mL).
Methoxybenzene molar mass
Methoxybenzene has a molar mass of 108.14 g/mol. Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance and is calculated by summing the atomic weights of all the atoms in the molecule. In Methoxybenzene, the molecular formula is C7H8O, which has a total of 7 carbon atoms, 8 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom. The molar mass of Methoxybenzene is useful for calculating the amount of the substance in a given sample, as well as for conversion between moles, mass, and volume.
Methoxybenzene boiling point
Methoxybenzene has a boiling point of 154.2 °C (309.6 °F). Boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the external pressure, allowing the liquid to change into a gas. Methoxybenzene is a relatively volatile liquid, which means it evaporates easily at room temperature. Its boiling point is higher than that of benzene (80.1 °C) due to the presence of the methoxy (-OCH3) group, which increases the intermolecular forces between molecules.
Methoxybenzene melting point
Methoxybenzene has a melting point of -37.5 °C (-35.5 °F). Melting point is the temperature at which a solid substance changes to a liquid state. Methoxybenzene is a colorless liquid at room temperature, but it can solidify at low temperatures. The presence of the methoxy group lowers the melting point of Methoxybenzene compared to benzene, which has a melting point of 5.5 °C.
Methoxybenzene molecular weight
Methoxybenzene has a molecular weight of 108.14 g/mol. Molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. It is a useful parameter for calculating the stoichiometry of chemical reactions and for converting between moles, mass, and volume.
Methoxybenzene structure
Methoxybenzene has a structure consisting of a benzene ring with a methoxy (-OCH3) group attached to one of the carbon atoms. The methoxy group is a methyl group (-CH3) bonded to an oxygen atom (-O), which in turn is bonded to the benzene ring. Methoxybenzene is an aromatic compound, which means it has a planar, cyclic structure with alternating single and double bonds.
Methoxybenzene formula
Methoxybenzene has a molecular formula of C7H8O, which indicates the number and types of atoms in the molecule. The formula can be used to calculate the molar mass, density, and other physical properties of Methoxybenzene. In addition to its molecular formula, Methoxybenzene is also known by several common names and synonyms, including anisole, methyl phenyl ether, and phenoxymethane.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.995 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Aromatic, sweet, pleasant |
| Molar Mass | 108.14 g/mol |
| Density | 0.995 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -37.5 °C (-35.5 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 154.2 °C (309.6 °F) |
| Flash Point | 58 °C (136.4 °F) |
| Water Solubility | 1.41 g/L at 20 °C |
| Solubility | Miscible in alcohol, ether, benzene, chloroform |
| Vapour Pressure | 1.44 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Vapour Density | 3.74 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 17 |
| pH | Not applicable |
Methoxybenzene Safety and Hazards
Methoxybenzene, also known as anisole, is generally considered to be a low to moderate hazard substance. However, it can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system upon exposure. Methoxybenzene is also flammable and may ignite if exposed to heat or an ignition source. It may also emit toxic fumes when burned. Long-term exposure to Methoxybenzene can cause liver and kidney damage. It is important to follow proper safety precautions when handling or working with Methoxybenzene, including wearing appropriate protective equipment and storing it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from sources of heat and ignition.
| Hazard Symbols | Xi |
| Safety Description | S24/25: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. S37/39: Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection. |
| UN Ids | UN 2222 |
| HS Code | 29093000 |
| Hazard Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | May cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Long-term exposure can cause liver and kidney damage. |
Methoxybenzene Synthesis Methods
Anisole can be synthesized through several methods, including methylation of phenol with dimethyl sulfate or methyl chloride in the presence of a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide. Another method involves reacting anisaldehyde with a reducing agent, such as sodium borohydride, to obtain Anisole.
A modified Gattermann reaction can also be used to synthesize Anisole, which involves reacting anisole with hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen chloride in the presence of copper powder. This method is useful for producing Anisole in larger quantities.
Additionally, Anisole can be produced through the Williamson ether synthesis by reacting sodium methoxide with bromobenzene. This reaction results in the formation of Anisole and sodium bromide as a byproduct.
Other methods of synthesizing Anisole include the use of diazomethane, methanolysis of phenyl acetate, and alkylation of sodium phenoxide with methyl iodide.
The choice of synthesis method depends on the desired purity, yield, and quantity of Anisole needed for a particular application. Care must be taken during synthesis to ensure proper safety precautions are followed, and appropriate protective equipment is used to avoid contact with Anisole.
Methoxybenzene Uses
Anisole, also known as anisole, has a wide range of uses in various industries. One of its primary applications is as a solvent, particularly in the production of resins, varnishes, and lacquers. It is also used in the manufacturing of various pharmaceuticals, including aspirin, as a flavoring agent, and in the production of perfumes and fragrances.
Anisole is also used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as p-anisidine, a key component in the production of azo dyes. It is also used as a starting material for the synthesis of other anisole derivatives, including p-methoxyphenol and p-methoxycinnamic acid, which have a wide range of applications in the chemical industry.
In the laboratory, Anisole is used as a standard in gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. It is also used as a reference material for spectroscopy.
Additionally, Anisole is used in the production of various flavors and fragrances, including vanillin, which is used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. Overall, Anisole’s versatile nature makes it a valuable chemical in various applications, particularly in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and fragrance industries.