6012. Methylal

Nomenclature

CAS number: 109-87-5
Dimethoxymethane; formal; formaldehyde dimethyl acetal; methylene dimethyl ether.
C3H8O2; mol wt 76.09.
C 47.35%, H 10.60%, O 42.05%.

Description and references

Prepn by catalytic vapor-phase oxidation of methanol in the presence of small amts of HCl; from methanol and formaldehyde: Frevel, Hedelund, US 2663742; US 2691684 (1953, 1954, both to Dow); from paraformaldehyde + methanol in the presence of CaCl2 + HCl: R. Rambaud, D. Besserre, Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. 1955, 45.

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless, clear, volatile, flammable liq; chloroform odor; pungent taste. bp760 41.6°; bp754 41.5°. mp 105°. d414 0.8669; d420 0.8593. nD18 1.3589. Flash pt, closed cup: 0°F (18°C). Sol in 3 parts water; miscible with alcohol, ether, oils.

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin and upper respiratory system; anesthesia. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 198.

Use

In perfumery; manuf artificial resins; reaction medium for Grignard and Reppe reactions.