Methyl propionate
Chemical compound From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Methyl propionate, also known as methyl propanoate, is an organic compound with the molecular formula CH3CH2CO2CH3. It is a colorless liquid with a fruity, rum-like odor.[2]
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| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name
Methyl propanoate | |
| Other names
Methyl propionate Propanoic acid, methyl ester Propionic acid, methyl ester | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.008.238 |
PubChem CID |
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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| Properties | |
| C4H8O2 | |
| Molar mass | 88.106 g·mol−1 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid[1] |
| Density | 0.915 g/L[1] |
| Melting point | −88 °C (−126 °F; 185 K)[1] |
| Boiling point | 80 °C (176 °F; 353 K)[1] |
| 72 g/L (20 °C)[1] | |
| −55.0·10−6 cm3/mol | |
| Hazards | |
| Flash point | −2 °C (28 °F; 271 K)[1] |
| 465 °C (869 °F; 738 K)[1] | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Preparation
Methyl propionate can be prepared by esterification of propionic acid with methanol. Industrially, it is prepared by carboalkoxylation, i.e., the reaction of ethylene with carbon monoxide and methanol in the presence of a catalyst:
- C2H4 + CO + MeOH → MeO2CCH2CH3
The reaction is catalyzed by nickel carbonyl and palladium(0) complexes.[3][4]
Uses
Condensation of Methyl propionate with formaldehyde followed by dehydration yields methyl methacrylate:[4]
- MeO2CCH2CH3 + CH2O → MeO2CCH(CH2OH)CH3
- MeO2CCH(CH2OH)CH3 → MeO2CC(=CH2)CH3
Methyl propionate is used as a solvent for cellulose nitrate and lacquers, and as a raw material for the production of paints, varnishes and other chemicals such as methyl methacrylate.[2][3]
Due to its fruity smell and taste, it is also used in fragrances and flavoring.[2][5]
References
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