Understanding the chemical properties of organic compounds is fundamental to their successful application in synthesis and research. 4-Methoxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyridine-3-carbonitrile, identified by CAS number 21642-98-8, is a heterocycle with a distinct set of characteristics that make it a valuable compound in organic chemistry. Its structure, a pyridine ring substituted with a methoxy group and a carbonitrile group adjacent to a 2-oxo functionality, dictates its reactivity and potential uses.

The compound is typically described as a white to off-white solid, with a reported melting point often around 293°C, indicating its stability at room temperature. Its solubility in polar organic solvents like DMSO further aids its use in various reaction media. The presence of the electron-donating methoxy group and the electron-withdrawing carbonitrile group on the pyridine ring creates an interesting electronic distribution, influencing its behavior in electrophilic and nucleophilic substitution reactions. This electronic nature makes it an attractive chemical building block for constructing more complex molecular frameworks.

In terms of synthesis applications, 4-Methoxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyridine-3-carbonitrile serves as a versatile starting material. The carbonitrile group can be hydrolyzed to a carboxylic acid, reduced to an amine, or participate in cycloaddition reactions. The pyridine ring itself can undergo modifications, and the 2-oxo group can be involved in various condensation or tautomerization processes. These diverse reactive possibilities are crucial for its role as a pharmaceutical intermediate, where precise chemical transformations are required to synthesize APIs such as Gimeracil. Furthermore, its utility extends to academic research, where it can be used to explore new reaction methodologies and synthesize novel compounds with potential biological activities.

Access to this chemical building block is facilitated by numerous suppliers, with many offering high purity grades essential for sensitive chemical synthesis. The consistent quality and availability from reliable sources ensure that researchers and manufacturers can effectively utilize its chemical properties to achieve their synthetic goals. For anyone involved in advanced organic synthesis, a thorough understanding of compounds like 4-Methoxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyridine-3-carbonitrile is key to unlocking new chemical innovations and driving scientific progress.