Chemical Name: Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid
Molecular Formula: C4H6O2
CAS Number: 1759-53-1
Molecular Weight: 86.09 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Melting Point: 26-28°C
Boiling Point: 184-186°C
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, and ether
Table of Contents
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Overview of Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid, including its chemical significance and applications |
| 2. Chemical Properties | Detailed description of the key chemical and physical properties of Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid |
| 3. Synthesis and Production | Methods used in the synthesis and industrial production of Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid |
| 4. Applications | Overview of the primary applications of Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid in various industries |
| 5. Safety and Handling | Guidelines for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid |
| 6. Environmental Impact | Discussion of the environmental impact and regulatory considerations of Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid |
| 7. Comparison with Related Compounds | Analysis of how Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid compares to other similar carboxylic acids |
| 8. Research and Studies | Summary of recent research on the use of Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid in chemical processes |
| 9. Market and Supply Chain | Overview of the market demand, suppliers, and global trade of Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid |
| 10. Conclusion | Final thoughts on the importance and future prospects of Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid |
1. Introduction
Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid is a simple carboxylic acid containing a cyclopropyl group attached to a carboxyl group. Despite its simplicity, this compound plays a significant role in organic synthesis, particularly in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. The cyclopropane ring’s unique strain and reactivity make it a valuable building block for synthesizing more complex molecules, including biologically active compounds and polymers.
2. Chemical Properties
Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid is characterized by its compact three-membered ring structure, which imparts significant strain energy to the molecule. This strain makes the compound more reactive than its linear or less-strained counterparts. It has the following key properties:
- Molecular Formula: C4H6O2
- Molecular Weight: 86.09 g/mol
- Appearance: White crystalline solid
- Melting Point: 26-28°C
- Boiling Point: 184-186°C
- Solubility: Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid is soluble in water, ethanol, and ether, making it versatile for various reaction environments.
The strained nature of the cyclopropane ring also influences the acidity of the carboxylic acid group, making it a slightly stronger acid compared to non-cyclic carboxylic acids.
3. Synthesis and Production
Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid can be synthesized through several methods, including the cyclopropanation of alkenes followed by oxidation. One common industrial method involves the reaction of diazomethane with ethylene to form cyclopropane, which is then carboxylated to yield cyclopropanecarboxylic acid. This synthesis route is valued for its efficiency and scalability, making it suitable for large-scale production.
4. Applications
Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Pharmaceuticals: The compound serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, particularly those involving cyclopropyl groups, which are known to enhance the biological activity and metabolic stability of drugs.
- Agrochemicals: In the agrochemical industry, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid is a key precursor in the synthesis of pesticides and herbicides, where the cyclopropyl group contributes to the efficacy and selectivity of the active compounds.
- Polymer Chemistry: Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid is used as a monomer or comonomer in the production of specialized polymers with unique mechanical and chemical properties.
5. Safety and Handling
Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid should be handled with care, as it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It is recommended to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and lab coats, when handling the compound. In case of contact with skin or eyes, the affected area should be rinsed thoroughly with water. The compound should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizing agents.
6. Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of cyclopropanecarboxylic acid is generally considered low, provided it is used and disposed of properly. The compound is biodegradable, but care should be taken to avoid releasing it into waterways, where it could potentially cause harm to aquatic life. Disposal should be conducted according to local environmental regulations, typically involving neutralization and incineration.
7. Comparison with Related Compounds
Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid is often compared with other carboxylic acids, such as propionic acid and butyric acid. The cyclopropyl group in cyclopropanecarboxylic acid imparts unique reactivity and stability to the compound, making it more suitable for specific synthetic applications where the linear analogs may fail. Its strain energy also makes it a more potent acid than similarly structured compounds without the ring strain.
8. Research and Studies
Recent studies on cyclopropanecarboxylic acid have focused on its use as a building block in medicinal chemistry, where the cyclopropyl group is increasingly recognized for its ability to modulate the pharmacokinetics of drug candidates. Additionally, research has explored new methods for synthesizing cyclopropanecarboxylic acid derivatives with enhanced properties, such as improved solubility or reactivity.
9. Market and Supply Chain
Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid is widely available from chemical suppliers, with demand driven primarily by the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. The global market for cyclopropanecarboxylic acid is stable, with suppliers offering both bulk and specialty grades of the compound. Pricing is influenced by factors such as purity, quantity, and regional demand.
10. Conclusion
Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid is a versatile and valuable compound in organic chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its unique chemical properties, stemming from the strained cyclopropane ring, make it an essential building block for a variety of applications. Understanding its properties, applications, and safety considerations is crucial for researchers and industry professionals working with this compound. As research continues to expand the potential uses of cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, its importance in modern chemistry is expected to grow.
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FAQ
It is used as an organic solvent for the extraction of natural products and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
C4H6O2
Cyclopropane carboxylic acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H6O2. It belongs to the class of carboxylic acids, characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group.
Cyclopropanes are very weak acids. Their metallation being slow and leading to poor yields of products, they constitute a bench mark to probe the effectiveness of a superbasic reagent.
Aliphatic and aromatic acids containing two carboxyl (−COOH) groups are referred to as dicarboxylic acids.
