Methyl (E)-3-methoxy-2-(2-(chloromethyl)phenyl)acrylate belongs to the acrylic ester family. This compound brings together a methoxy group, an acrylate backbone, and a chloromethyl-substituted phenyl ring. Each element in the structure shapes the chemical's behavior and the kinds of uses that follow. The ester function influences how the material interacts with other chemicals, especially in organic synthesis or industrial reactions. The chloromethyl group often acts as a reactive anchor in making more complex molecules, including pharmaceuticals or specialty materials. HS Code 2916399090 usually covers this kind of aromatic carboxylic acid ester during import and export.
The molecular formula for Methyl (E)-3-methoxy-2-(2-(chloromethyl)phenyl)acrylate comes out as C12H13ClO3, reaching a molecular weight of about 240.69 g/mol. The presence of both the ester and the chloromethyl functionalities gives the compound a notable reactivity profile. Visually, the compound typically presents as a pale solid — sometimes flaky, sometimes powdery, occasionally crystallizing into small pearls under controlled conditions. In the laboratory, it may show up as a clear to slightly hazy solid, and the smell usually has a faint chemical note, reminiscent of other aromatic acrylates. Measured at room temperature, the density averages around 1.22 g/cm3, enough to help in practical applications from formulation to storage.
Chemically, the backbone of this molecule carries an (E)-configuration across the acrylate double bond, which means the larger substituents are on opposing sides. This geometric setup impacts how the compound interacts, especially where stereochemistry affects downstream reactions. The crystal structure, identified using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, reveals the layered stacking common in aromatic acrylates carrying halogen groups. These layers sometimes influence solubility, so the product shows good dissolution in polar organic solvents such as acetone, ethyl acetate, or methanol, while keeping moderate resistance to water.
In the chemical industry, methyl (E)-3-methoxy-2-(2-(chloromethyl)phenyl)acrylate often works as a specialty intermediate. It appears in synthesis pipelines that feed the pharmaceutical or agrochemical sectors. Scientists prize its structure for introducing chloromethyl functionalities while retaining a versatile acrylate unit. Raw materials like this have a measurable impact in custom organic synthesis, where modifying a phenyl ring opens options in drug discovery or development of advanced polymers. Routine procedures use the compound in batch or continuous solutions. Technicians dissolve it in liters of suitable solvent to make reaction solutions for scale-up projects.
Physical state often depends on the storage environment and purity grade. High-purity product, capped and protected from air, settles as flakes or very fine powder. Mild heating produces a near-crystalline state, which stays stable below the melting point around 56-60°C. Moisture control helps prevent caking, and reliable packaging matters during shipping, especially over long distances. As a rule, bulk orders ship as solids, because the compound’s low melting point and susceptibility to hydrolysis make liquid handling less practical most of the time.
Handling this chemical calls for respect and proper protective measures. The chloromethyl group brings moderate toxicity, with a risk of irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Lab users always wear gloves, lab coats, and goggles, keeping extraction hoods running when transferring powder or preparing solutions. Long-term exposure heightens potential carcinogenic risks, so using closed systems and labeling containers helps prevent accidental contact. The powder must avoid open flames and high-heat sources because the compound can decompose, releasing chlorinated fumes. Any accidental spill or dust release needs to be cleaned with inert absorbent, collected in sealed chemical waste containers, and handled according to hazardous chemical waste regulations. The raw material storage area requires signage and restricted access to prevent unintentional exposure among staff unfamiliar with chemical hazards.
The quality of this acrylate depends on every step of the raw material supply chain. Starting from well-characterized methoxyphenyl building blocks and certified methyl acrylate precursors, purity comes from filtration and solvent crystallization. Trace impurities, if unchecked, can trigger downstream byproducts, especially when scaled up for pilot or commercial runs. Quality labs run gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) checks on each lot to verify structure and purity, preventing unexpected results later in the process. This level of vigilance comes straight from hard experience: missed contaminants show up unexpectedly, ruining whole batches and wasting days. Practitioners agree that sticking with reputable suppliers for all building blocks, and triple-checking results with both chemical and physical property testing, keeps projects on track and avoids the big headaches no one wants to deal with mid-project.
Problems in workplace safety, chemical shelf life, or process control find solutions in strong protocols. Storing every drum with desiccant packets controls hydrolysis, and double-labeling each container prevents tragic mix-ups. Facilities that foster a safety culture, emphasizing hazard recognition and regular training, report fewer accidents and faster intervention when something goes wrong. Chemists who design procedures that account for the density, volatility, and reactivity of methyl (E)-3-methoxy-2-(2-(chloromethyl)phenyl)acrylate convert more raw materials to finished product — less waste, fewer headaches, more consistency. For facilities new to handling this kind of specialty acrylate, consultation with chemical safety experts and periodic review of storage conditions keeps the business running without unexpected shutdowns or regulatory fines.
