6062. α-Methylene Butyrolactone

Nomenclature

CAS number: 547-65-9
4,5-Dihydro-3-methylene-2(3H)-furanone.
C5H6O2; mol wt 98.10.
C 61.22%, H 6.16%, O 32.62%.

Description and references

Isoln from aq extracts of Erythronium americanum Ker., Liliaceae (dogtooth violet): Cavallito, Haskell, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 68, 2332 (1946).

Chemical structure

Properties

Liquid. Polymerizes easily when heated above 70°. bp2 57-60°. Sol in water. pH 4 (150 mg/ml). The lactone is present in all parts of the plant and can be extracted easily with water, but not with ethanol, ether, ethyl acetate or chloroform.

Caution

Irritating to the skin.