3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde: Properties, Handling & Lab Use

3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde is an aromatic aldehyde bearing both a methoxy and a methyl substituent on the benzene ring, making it a versatile intermediate widely employed in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical research, and fragrance chemistry.

CAS Number

Refer to product datasheet (SKU M588407)

Molecular Formula

C9H10O2

Molecular Weight

150.17 g/mol

Functional Groups

Aldehyde (–CHO), methoxy (–OCH3), methyl (–CH3)

Appearance

Colorless to pale yellow liquid or solid (verify with CoA)

Primary Application Areas

Organic synthesis intermediates, fragrance & flavor chemistry, pharmaceutical building blocks

Chemical Identity and Physical Properties

3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde (SKU M588407) is a substituted benzaldehyde in which the aromatic ring carries a methoxy group at the 3-position and a methyl group at the 4-position, with an aldehyde group at the 1-position. Its molecular formula is C₉H₁₀O₂ and its molecular weight is approximately 150.17 g/mol.

The compound is expected to present as a colorless to pale yellow liquid or low-melting solid at room temperature; however, researchers should consult the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) supplied with each lot for confirmed physical constants including melting point, boiling point, refractive index, and purity. The electron-donating methoxy and methyl substituents activate the aromatic ring toward electrophilic reactions and influence the compound's spectral signature (IR, NMR, UV-Vis), which can be used for identity confirmation.

Laboratory Applications and Synthetic Utility

3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde serves as a multifunctional building block in synthetic organic chemistry. Its aldehyde functionality makes it amenable to a broad range of transformations, including:

• Condensation reactions: Knoevenagel, aldol, and Wittig condensations to access extended conjugated systems or α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.
• Reductive amination: Reaction with primary or secondary amines in the presence of a reductant to yield substituted benzylamines of pharmaceutical interest.
• Oxidation: Controlled oxidation to the corresponding benzoic acid derivative (3-methoxy-4-methylbenzoic acid) using standard oxidants.
• Schiff base formation: Condensation with amines to form imines (Schiff bases) useful in coordination chemistry and materials science.
• Fragrance and flavor chemistry: The methoxy-methyl-substituted benzaldehyde scaffold is found in aroma chemical research, where subtle ring substitution patterns modulate olfactory character.

Researchers in medicinal chemistry use such aldehydes as key intermediates when constructing heterocyclic scaffolds via cyclization reactions with bifunctional nucleophiles.

Safe Handling, Storage, and Waste Disposal

As with all aromatic aldehyde reagents, appropriate safety precautions must be observed when working with 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde. Researchers should consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific before use.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chemical-splash goggles, nitrile gloves, and a laboratory coat. Work in a well-ventilated fume hood to minimise inhalation of vapors.

Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat, ignition sources, and incompatible materials (strong oxidizers, strong bases). Keep at the temperature specified on the product label or CoA (typically cool, dry conditions). Protect from light to prevent photodegradation of the aldehyde functionality.

Stability: Aldehydes can be susceptible to aerial oxidation over time; purchase quantities appropriate to your experimental timeline and check purity before use in critical syntheses.

Waste Disposal: Dispose of waste material in accordance with local, institutional, and national regulations for organic chemical waste. Do not pour down the drain.

Note: Specific hazard classifications (GHS pictograms, H-statements, P-statements) must be confirmed in the current SDS for lot M588407.

Quality Specifications and Ordering Information

Aladdin Scientific offers 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde under SKU M588407. Each shipment is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documenting lot-specific purity and physical data.

Recommended checks upon receipt:

• Verify lot number against CoA.
• Confirm appearance matches the CoA description.
• Check container integrity before opening.
• Record storage conditions and date of receipt.

For bulk quantities, custom purity grades, or specific packaging requirements, contact Aladdin Scientific's technical sales team. Volume pricing and institutional accounts may be available—see the Aladdin website for current promotions and reward point programs.

All products are subject to Aladdin's standard terms regarding returns, shipping, and payment. Refer to the Help and Customer Service section of the website for full policy details.

Frequently asked questions

What is the molecular formula and molecular weight of 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde?

The molecular formula of 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde is C9H10O2, corresponding to a molecular weight of approximately 150.17 g/mol. Always verify exact values against the Certificate of Analysis provided with your specific lot.

How should 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde be stored to maintain its stability?

Store the compound in a tightly sealed container under cool, dry conditions, away from light, heat, and strong oxidizing agents. Aromatic aldehydes can slowly oxidize upon prolonged exposure to air, so minimizing headspace and working under inert atmosphere when possible is recommended for long-term storage.

What are the main synthetic applications of 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde in the laboratory?

This compound is widely used as a synthetic intermediate in Knoevenagel condensations, Wittig reactions, reductive amination, and Schiff base formation. It is also employed in fragrance research and as a pharmaceutical building block for constructing heterocyclic and functionalized aromatic scaffolds.

Where can I find the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for M588407?

The Safety Data Sheet for 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde (M588407) is available on the Aladdin Scientific product page. You may also contact Aladdin's customer service team to request the current SDS for your lot.

Can 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde be used in reductive amination protocols?

Yes, the aldehyde functional group of 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde readily undergoes reductive amination with primary and secondary amines in the presence of reducing agents such as sodium cyanoborohydride or sodium triacetoxyborohydride, yielding the corresponding substituted benzylamine products. Reaction conditions should be optimized for the specific amine partner and scale.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific product datasheet and Certificate of Analysis for 3-Methoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde, SKU M588407.
2. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure. Wiley-Interscience. (General reference for aldehyde chemistry transformations.)
3. Clayden, J.; Greeves, N.; Warren, S. Organic Chemistry. Oxford University Press. (General reference for condensation and functionalization reactions of aromatic aldehydes.)

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.