3-Benzyloxy-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylic acid, by structure and application, stands out among organic acids utilized in synthesis and research. This compound appears in labs focused on pharmaceutical development and chemical research. Its structure brings together the pyran ring system, a classic scaffold in synthetic and natural substances. The acid group at the 2-position and a 3-benzyloxy substitution carve out a chemical feature set that signals utility in the construction of more complex molecules. Research chemistry draws on these features for designing new derivatives and intermediates that can push medicinal chemistry forward.
You’ll likely encounter 3-Benzyloxy-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylic acid as a crystalline solid, sometimes appearing as off-white or slightly yellow flakes. Various suppliers prepare it as a fine powder, although its crystalline nature occasionally produces larger, pearl-like fragments. The density may hover close to other comparable pyran derivatives, usually around 1.3 to 1.4 g/cm³, though actual values depend on purity and crystal habit. The compound does not dissolve readily in water, yet it responds well to organic solvents—dimethyl sulfoxide, acetone, or methanol being typical choices for solution preparation. In the lab, handling this material in its solid state feels much like any carboxylic acid: slightly heavier than simple organics, lightweight compared to denser inorganic salts. Material trading usually involves measured batches by gram or kilogram, depending on volume requirements in commercial and R&D sectors.
This molecule joins a six-membered pyran ring to a carboxylic acid, topping it off with a benzyloxy side chain at position three. The ring itself bears a ketone at the four-position, boosting both stability and reactivity under specific reaction conditions. Its molecular formula is C13H10O5, a useful figure for chemists tracking mass balances or optimizing yields in a larger synthetic route. The benzyl ether adds hydrophobic bulk, shaping both solubility and potential reactivity. In practice, that means the molecule can participate in a range of transformations, whether that’s esterification, hydrolysis, or acting as a building block for aromatic substitution patterns.
Suppliers attach detailed certificates of analysis to shipments of 3-Benzyloxy-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylic acid, listing purity—often over 98% by HPLC—as well as melting point, sometimes cited around 165–170 °C. Trace metal content, moisture, and solvent residue fall under scrutiny, since downstream uses in pharmaceuticals demand high-quality input materials. As with many research-focused compounds, buyers expect comprehensive documentation to meet regulatory and compliance demands. Reliable supply chains start from quality-controlled raw materials, usually tracked through a unique HS Code—often 2918, which covers carboxylic acids and their derivatives.
Chemists value 3-Benzyloxy-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylic acid for its straightforward reactivity. In my own graduate work, derivatives of this molecule allowed us to build out libraries targeting kinase inhibition. The structure’s rigidity keeps stereochemistry predictable, making it a reliable platform for adding substituents or forming more intricate cyclic systems. The carboxylic acid group opens the door for amide or ester linkage—vital for connecting to biorelevant cores. Pharmaceutical research leans on such functionality to tweak solubility, target binding, and metabolic stability. Companies sourcing this compound usually tie supply to innovation projects or pilot-scale process development.
Chemicals from this class deserve respect in handling. Direct contact—especially at higher concentrations—can irritate skin or eyes, and accidental inhalation of powders brings about the coughing or mild respiratory distress familiar to most bench chemists. Safety data sheets present the usual precautionary advice: gloves, goggles, lab coats, and fume extraction for weighing or dissolving the solid. Risk extends to storage; sealed, light-protected containers in a dry environment keep the acid stable over months. Waste disposal flows follow hazardous organic protocols, generally incineration by a licensed provider. Laboratories focus on safe transfer methods, using spatulas and anti-static precautions to limit airborne dust. Facilities conducting process chemistry document all movements and train staff regularly to reduce chance injury.
Like many aromatic carboxylic acids, this compound doesn’t rank high as a major health risk, but repeated or chronic exposure still calls for vigilance. Regulatory statutes—REACH in the European Union or TSCA in the United States—require proper registration and recording of use volumes. Environmental impact stays low in managed circumstances because facilities rarely release large amounts outside controlled settings. Waste needs responsible handling because, like many synthetic organics, it can persist if not treated or incinerated correctly. Process safety audits and green chemistry guidelines suggest limiting use to just what’s needed for immediate processes, recycling solvents, or curbing byproducts at each stage.
Sourcing sustainable raw materials piques the interest of buyers aiming to reduce carbon footprints. Renewable aldehyde and phenol routes provide some feedstocks relevant to the starting materials for this molecule. Close attention to reaction efficiency matters just as much; using catalysts that trim down reaction time or increase atom economy reduces both waste and costs. Bulk manufacturers sometimes redesign processes to recover solvents or minimize energy inputs at the stage where benzyl protection is introduced. Research teams keep an eye out for more biodegradable analogues, or derivatives that pack similar activity with a clearer environmental profile.
The last decade saw growing demand for specialty pyran derivatives as drug discovery sought new scaffolds and privileged structures. Manufacturing capacity often follows this demand lagging a year or two behind research breakthroughs. Global supply chains link European, North American, and Asian producers, all adjusting to fluctuations in the fine chemicals market. Users benefit from working closely with suppliers who offer transparent sourcing and ongoing technical support. As experienced chemists know, any hiccup in material consistency, trace impurities, or delayed shipments can ripple right through a research program or small-scale pilot plant. The strongest partnerships depend on steady communication and mutual investment in product quality and supply reliability.
