1,4-Dimethoxybenzene Explained

1,4-Dimethoxybenzene is an organic compound with the formula CH(OCH). It is one of three isomers of dimethoxybenzene. It is a white solid with an intensely sweet floral odor. It is produced by several plant species.[1]

Occurrence

It occurs naturally in willow (Salix), tea, hyacinth, zucchini (Cucurbita pepo).[1] It appears to attract bees as it has a powerful response in their antenna.[2] In a study in mice, Iranian scientists identified 1,4-dimethoxybenzene as the major psychoactive chemical in musk willow (Salix aegyptiaca) by its ability to cause somnolescence and depressed activity.[3]

Preparation

It is produced by the methylation of hydroquinone using dimethylsulfate and an alkali.

Uses

1,4-Dimethoxybenzene is mainly used in perfumes and soaps.[1]

It is an intermediate in synthesis of organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals such as methoxamine and butaxamine.

Niche uses

It can be used as a developer in black and white film, and as a base in synthesizing catecholamines and phenethylamines.

Notes and References

  1. Karl-Georg Fahlbusch, Franz-Josef Hammerschmidt, Johannes Panten, Wilhelm Pickenhagen, Dietmar Schatkowski, Kurt Bauer, Dorothea Garbe and Horst Surburg "Flavors and Fragrances" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 2003, Wiley-VCH.
  2. Andreas Juergens, Ulrike Glueck, Gregor Aas and Stefan Doetterl "Diel fragrance pattern correlates with olfactory preferences of diurnal and nocturnal flower visitors in Salix caprea (Salicaceae)" in Botanical journal of the Linnean Society, 2014.
  3. Isaac Karimi . Hossein Hayatgheybi . Tayebeh shamspur. Adem Kamalak . Mehrdad Pooyanmehr. Yaser Marandi . 2011 . Chemical composition and effect of an essential oil of Salix aegyptiaca L. (Musk willow) in hypercholesterolemic rabbit model . Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy . 21 . 3 . 407–414 . 10.1590/s0102-695x2011005000030. free .