Product Overview

Methyl 2-bromo-4-methylbenzoate is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₉H₉BrO₂ and molecular weight of 229.07 g/mol. This colorless to light yellow liquid is a valuable intermediate in pharmaceutical and agrochemical research. The compound features a bromine atom at the 2-position, a methyl group at the 4-position, and a methyl ester group on the aromatic ring.

Synthetic Process

• Esterification: 2-Bromo-4-methylbenzoic acid is esterified with methanol in the presence of an acid catalyst

• Purification: The crude product is purified by fractional distillation

• Quality Control: The final product is analyzed to ensure ≥98.0% purity by GC

Mechanism of Action

• Cross-Coupling Substrate: The aryl bromide enables Suzuki-Miyaura and other coupling reactions

• Ester Functionalization: The methyl ester can be hydrolyzed to the corresponding carboxylic acid or reduced to the alcohol

• Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: The methyl group directs electrophilic substitution to specific positions

Research Applications & Market Significance

• Pharmaceutical Research: Building block for drug discovery programs

• Agrochemical Synthesis: Intermediate for herbicides and fungicides

• Organic Synthesis: Versatile intermediate for functionalized benzoate derivatives

• Material Science: Used in the preparation of specialty polymers

Quality Specifications

• Purity: ≥98.0% determined by GC

• Boiling point: 138-140°C (10 mmHg)

• Density: 1.415 g/mL at 25°C

• Refractive index: n²⁰/D 1.546

• Storage: 2-8°C, sealed, protected from light

• Stable for 24 months when properly stored

Packaging & Shipping

• Research quantities: 25g, 100g amber glass bottles

• Bulk quantities: 500g, 1kg amber glass bottles

• Shipped at ambient temperature