3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal: Properties & Lab Guide

3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal is a substituted aromatic aldehyde featuring a sterically hindered gem-dimethyl quaternary carbon adjacent to the carbonyl, making it a valuable specialty reagent for fragrance research, organic synthesis, and structure–activity relationship studies.

Chemical Name

3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal

SKU

D695465

Functional Group

Aldehyde (–CHO) with gem-dimethyl quaternary α-carbon

Molecular Framework

Para-ethylphenyl ring linked via –CH2– to a 2,2-dimethylpropanal unit

Key Structural Feature

Steric shielding at α-carbon reduces enolization, enhancing aldehyde stability

Primary Research Applications

Fragrance ingredient research, organic synthesis intermediate, structure–activity studies

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific

Chemical Identity and Structural Features

3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal (SKU D695465) belongs to the class of arylalkanals in which an aromatic ring bearing a para-ethyl substituent is tethered through a methylene bridge to a sterically congested 2,2-dimethylpropanal (pivaldehyde-type) moiety. The defining structural characteristic is the quaternary α-carbon bearing two methyl groups flanking the aldehyde carbonyl. This gem-dimethyl substitution dramatically reduces the acidity of the α-hydrogen (effectively eliminating classical enolization at that position) and provides steric protection to the reactive carbonyl, resulting in an aldehyde with enhanced chemical stability compared with non-substituted analogues. The para-ethylphenyl ring contributes lipophilicity and a mild, diffusive aromatic character relevant to fragrance applications.

Physicochemical Properties and Stability

The compound is expected to be a colorless to pale yellow liquid or low-melting solid at ambient temperature, consistent with structurally analogous aryl-gem-dimethylaldehydes used in the fragrance industry. The gem-dimethyl group at the α-position confers notable resistance to autoxidation pathways that commonly affect primary and secondary aldehydes, because radical abstraction at the hindered quaternary center is disfavored. Despite this, standard precautions for aldehyde storage should be observed: keep the material sealed under an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon), protected from light and heat, and stored at 2–8 °C or as specified on the product label. Compatibility with common organic solvents (ethanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, DMSO) is expected based on its lipophilic aromatic structure; aqueous solubility is anticipated to be low. Researchers should consult the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific for confirmed physical constants and purity data for each lot.

Research Applications and Synthetic Utility

Sterically hindered aromatic aldehydes of this structural class find application across several research domains:

• Fragrance and aroma chemistry: Gem-dimethyl arylpropanals are well-established building blocks in fine fragrance research, contributing aldehydic, woody, and diffusive olfactory notes. This compound may serve as a reference material or synthetic precursor in olfactory structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies.
• Organic synthesis intermediates: The aldehyde functional group enables a broad range of downstream transformations including reductive amination, Wittig and HWE olefination, aldol reactions (where the steric environment uniquely directs selectivity), oxidation to the corresponding carboxylic acid, and condensation reactions. The hindered α-carbon makes this substrate particularly valuable for studying reactions where enolization competes with other pathways.
• Medicinal chemistry and SAR: Para-alkylphenyl aldehydes are useful pharmacophore scaffolds for probing hydrophobic binding pockets; the gem-dimethyl group modulates conformational flexibility and metabolic stability of derived compounds.
• Material science: Aromatic aldehydes are used as crosslinking agents, polymer end-cappers, and in the synthesis of Schiff base ligands for coordination chemistry.

Handling, Safety, and Storage Guidelines

As with all aldehyde-containing reagents, standard laboratory safety practices must be followed when working with 3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear chemical-splash goggles, nitrile gloves, and a lab coat. Work in a fume hood to avoid inhalation of vapors.
• Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container under inert gas, away from light, oxidizing agents, and strong bases or acids. Recommended storage at 2–8 °C unless the CoA specifies otherwise. Check the product label and SDS for lot-specific guidance.
• Waste disposal: Dispose of as halogen-free organic solvent waste in accordance with your institution's chemical waste regulations and local environmental authority requirements.
• First aid: In case of skin or eye contact, flush immediately with copious water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. For inhalation, move to fresh air immediately.
• Regulatory status: Consult the Aladdin Scientific SDS for GHS classification, hazard pictograms, and transport information applicable to your jurisdiction.

Always obtain and review the current SDS before first use. Specific hazard data, GHS classification, flash point, and regulatory information will be provided in the official Aladdin Scientific SDS for SKU D695465.

Quality Specifications and Ordering Information

Aladdin Scientific supplies 3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal under SKU D695465. Each lot is manufactured and quality-controlled to meet research-grade specifications. The following information is relevant for procurement and quality assurance:

• Purity: Confirmed by the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA); typical analytical methods include GC purity, NMR, and HPLC where applicable. Contact Aladdin Scientific or your regional distributor for CoA copies.
• Available pack sizes: Please refer to the current Aladdin Scientific catalog or website for available quantities and pricing.
• Ordering: Orders may be placed directly through the Aladdin Scientific website, by contacting your account manager, or via authorized distributors. Reference SKU D695465 in all purchase inquiries to ensure correct product dispatch.
• Documentation: SDS, CoA, and technical specification sheets are available on request or via the Aladdin Scientific online portal.
• Returns and shelf-life: Consult Aladdin Scientific's returns policy and confirm remaining shelf-life upon receipt. Report any discrepancies in quantity, purity, or packaging condition to customer service immediately upon receipt.

Frequently asked questions

What is 3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal used for in research?

This compound serves primarily as an organic synthesis intermediate and fragrance chemistry building block. Its hindered aldehyde group enables selective transformations such as reductive amination, Wittig olefination, and condensation reactions, while the para-ethylphenyl group contributes lipophilicity useful in SAR studies and aroma chemistry research.

How should I store 3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal to maintain its stability?

Store the compound in a tightly sealed container under an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) at 2–8 °C, protected from light and away from oxidizing agents and strong acids or bases. Always consult the Aladdin Scientific product label and SDS for lot-specific storage instructions. The gem-dimethyl α-substitution provides enhanced inherent stability compared with unhindered aldehydes, but proper storage remains essential for long-term quality preservation.

Where can I find purity and analytical data for SKU D695465?

Lot-specific purity and analytical data are available on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each batch of SKU D695465. You can request a CoA from Aladdin Scientific's customer service team, your regional distributor, or download it directly from the Aladdin Scientific online product portal using the batch/lot number printed on your product label.

Can 3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal undergo standard aldehyde reactions despite its steric hindrance?

Yes. While the gem-dimethyl quaternary α-carbon prevents enolization at that position and reduces reactivity in reactions requiring α-hydrogen abstraction, the aldehyde carbonyl itself remains electrophilic and reactive toward nucleophilic addition, reductive amination, oxidation, and condensation reactions. Researchers should anticipate altered reaction kinetics and may need to optimize reaction conditions (temperature, catalyst loading, solvent) compared with less hindered aldehydes.

References

1. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure, 4th ed.; Wiley-Interscience: New York, 1992. (General reference for aldehyde reactivity and steric effects.)
2. Sell, C. S. The Chemistry of Fragrances: From Perfumer to Consumer, 2nd ed.; Royal Society of Chemistry: Cambridge, 2006. (Background on aromatic aldehydes in fragrance chemistry.)
3. Aladdin Scientific. Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet for 3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal, SKU D695465. Aladdin Scientific, current lot.

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