What Is Methyl 5-Methylbenzofuran-2-carboxylate?

Methyl 5-methylbenzofuran-2-carboxylate is an aromatic heterocyclic compound belonging to the benzofuran family. The benzofuran core consists of a fused bicyclic system combining a benzene ring and a furan ring. In this compound, a methyl ester group is present at the 2-position of the furan ring, and a methyl substituent is located at the 5-position of the benzo ring.

Benzofuran-2-carboxylate esters are well-recognized intermediates and building blocks in synthetic organic chemistry. The ester functionality at C-2 makes the compound amenable to a variety of transformations including hydrolysis to the parent carboxylic acid, amide coupling, reduction, and further derivatization, making it a flexible starting material for constructing more complex molecular architectures.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Methyl 5-methylbenzofuran-2-carboxylate is typically encountered as a solid or low-melting crystalline material at room temperature. As a benzofuran-2-carboxylate methyl ester, it is expected to be sparingly soluble in water but readily soluble in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone, DMSO, and DMF. The compound possesses moderate lipophilicity owing to its aromatic character and ester functionality.

The benzofuran ring system confers aromatic stability, and the ester group at the 2-position is susceptible to nucleophilic attack under appropriate conditions. The methyl group at C-5 exerts a mild electron-donating inductive effect on the ring system. These characteristics are important when planning synthetic routes that use this compound as a starting material or intermediate.

Note: Specific numerical values for melting point, boiling point, and molecular weight are not confirmed in the source material provided and should be verified against the current product certificate of analysis (CoA) or safety data sheet (SDS) available from Aladdin Scientific.

Applications in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry

Benzofuran derivatives, including 2-carboxylate esters with ring substituents, are important structural motifs found in a range of biologically active natural products and pharmaceutical candidates. The methyl ester group of Methyl 5-methylbenzofuran-2-carboxylate can be hydrolyzed to yield the corresponding carboxylic acid, which may be used in peptide coupling reactions or further modified. Reduction of the ester can afford the primary alcohol, opening additional derivatization pathways.

This compound serves as a versatile intermediate for medicinal chemists synthesizing libraries of benzofuran-based compounds for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. It may also serve as a ligand precursor or serve in the synthesis of fluorescent probes, agrochemical intermediates, and materials science applications, consistent with the broad utility of substituted benzofuran scaffolds in the literature.

Note: Specific published studies directly citing M727347 were not identified in the source material; researchers should conduct independent literature searches to identify relevant precedents for their specific application.

Storage, Handling, and Safety Guidelines

As with most aromatic ester compounds, Methyl 5-methylbenzofuran-2-carboxylate should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, and sources of ignition. It is recommended to keep the compound tightly sealed under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon) to prevent moisture absorption and potential hydrolysis of the ester group over prolonged storage.

Researchers should consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific before handling this compound. Standard laboratory personal protective equipment (PPE) — including lab coat, chemical-resistant gloves, and eye protection — should be worn. Work should be performed in a fume hood to minimize inhalation exposure to fine particles or vapors.

Note: Specific GHS hazard classifications, pictograms, and precautionary statements for this compound should be verified against the SDS supplied with SKU M727347 from Aladdin Scientific, as these are not detailed in the source material provided.

Ordering and Quality Information

Methyl 5-methylbenzofuran-2-carboxylate is available from Aladdin Scientific under catalog number M727347. Researchers and procurement teams can place orders through the Aladdin Scientific website or by contacting the sales team directly. Bulk quantities and custom packaging may be available upon request.

Each lot of M727347 is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming identity, purity, and other quality parameters. Researchers requiring specific purity grades or analytical data — such as NMR, HPLC purity, or mass spectrometry confirmation — should request the CoA at the time of ordering or contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for further information.

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