Understanding the intrinsic chemical properties of a compound is fundamental to its effective application in synthesis and industry. 4-Methoxytriphenylmethyl Chloride, identified by CAS number 14470-28-1 and also known as 4-Methoxytrityl chloride (MMT-Cl), is a significant organic intermediate characterized by its specific molecular structure and reactive functional groups. These properties dictate its utility as a protective group and as a building block in various chemical transformations.

Molecular Structure and Reactivity Insights

The molecular formula of 4-Methoxytriphenylmethyl Chloride is C₂₀H₁₇ClO, with a molecular weight of approximately 308.8 g/mol. Structurally, it features a central carbon atom bonded to three phenyl rings and one chlorine atom. Crucially, one of these phenyl rings is substituted at the para (4-) position with a methoxy group (-OCH₃). This methoxy group influences the electron density distribution across the molecule, subtly affecting its reactivity and stability compared to the unsubstituted triphenylmethyl chloride. The presence of the labile chloride atom makes it susceptible to nucleophilic substitution reactions, which is the basis for its common use in forming ether linkages with hydroxyl groups.

Its physical state is typically described as a crystalline powder, with a melting point in the range of 122-124 °C. While soluble in common organic solvents like toluene, ethers, and chlorinated hydrocarbons, it exhibits limited solubility in water, a characteristic typical of many organic chlorides with bulky aromatic substituents.

Key Applications Driven by Properties

The chemical properties of 4-Methoxytriphenylmethyl Chloride directly translate into its critical applications:

  • Hydroxyl Protection: The compound is widely employed as a protecting group for primary hydroxyl functionalities in complex organic synthesis. The MMT group is known for its selective cleavage under mildly acidic conditions, making it ideal for multistep syntheses where other protecting groups might be too labile or too robust. This is particularly important in the synthesis of sensitive biomolecules like oligonucleotides.
  • Organic Synthesis Intermediate: Beyond protection, it serves as a versatile intermediate. The reactive carbon-chlorine bond can be replaced by various nucleophiles, allowing for the synthesis of diverse functionalized aromatic compounds. This makes it valuable for creating specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical building blocks, and materials science components.
  • Pharmaceutical Research: In drug development, MMT-Cl can be used to synthesize intermediates for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), potentially improving their stability or bioavailability.

For professionals seeking to procure this vital reagent, NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. offers high-purity 4-Methoxytriphenylmethyl Chloride. We are a dedicated manufacturer and supplier committed to providing quality materials for your research and production needs. We invite you to inquire about our product and discuss bulk purchasing options to secure a reliable supply. Whether you need to buy 4-methoxytriphenylmethyl chloride for intricate synthesis or large-scale production, we are here to serve you.