Dimethyl 5-Nitroisophthalate, identified by its CAS number 13290-96-5, is an aromatic organic compound characterized by a benzene ring substituted with a nitro group and two methyl ester groups in a meta configuration. This specific arrangement of functional groups dictates its unique chemical behavior and utility as a synthetic intermediate. The molecular formula C10H9NO6, with a molecular weight of approximately 239.18 g/mol, provides the basic stoichiometry of the compound.

Physically, Dimethyl 5-Nitroisophthalate is typically encountered as a light yellow powder. Its melting point, commonly reported in the range of 123-125 °C, is a critical parameter for assessing its purity. The presence of the electron-withdrawing nitro group significantly influences the electron distribution within the benzene ring, affecting the reactivity of the entire molecule. The two methyl ester groups (-COOCH₃) at the 1 and 3 positions are susceptible to hydrolysis, transesterification, or reduction reactions, offering pathways to carboxylic acids, different esters, or primary alcohols, respectively.

The nitro group itself can undergo reduction, typically under catalytic hydrogenation conditions or using reducing agents like tin or iron in acidic media, to form an amino group (-NH₂). This transformation is particularly significant as the resulting amino derivative, Dimethyl 5-aminoisophthalate, serves as a precursor for a wide array of further synthetic modifications, including diazotization and coupling reactions. Understanding these reactivity patterns – the electrophilic nature of the aromatic ring due to the nitro group and the nucleophilic character of the potential amino derivative – is key for chemists planning complex syntheses. The compound's stability under specific conditions and its solubility in common organic solvents are also important considerations for its practical application in laboratory and industrial settings.