3-Methylsalicylic acid explained

3-Methylsalicylic acid is an organic compound with the formula CH₃C₆H₃(CO₂H)(OH). It is a white solid that is soluble in basic water and in polar organic solvents. At neutral pH, the acid exists as 3-methylsalicylate Its functional groups include a carboxylic acid and a phenol group. It is one of four isomers of methylsalicylic acid.

It can be produced by carboxylation of o-cresol.^[1]

See also

• 4-Methylsalicylic acid
• 6-Methylsalicylic acid

Notes and References

1. K₂CO₃-Catalyzed Direct Synthesis of Salicylic Acid from Phenol and Supercritical CO₂. Takayuki Iijima . Tatsuaki Yamaguchi. Applied Catalysis A. 2001. 345. 12–17. 10.1016/j.apcata.2008.03.037.