9535. Toluic Acid

Nomenclature

Methylbenzoic acid.
C8H8O2; mol wt 136.15.
C 70.57%, H 5.92%, O 23.50%.

Description and references

Prepn of m- and o-forms by oxidation of corresponding xylene: Toland, US 2903480 (1959 to California Res. Corp.); Hay et al., J. Org. Chem. 25, 616 (1960). Prepn of p-form by reaction of p-tolyldiazonium tetrafluoroborate with nickel carbonyl and acetic acid: Clark, Cookson, J. Chem. Soc. 1962, 686; by oxidation of p-xylene: Taves, US 3030413 (1962 to Hercules Powder). Manuf of p-form from toluene: Braunworth, US 3046305 (1962 to Pure Oil).

Chemical structure

Derivative

m-Toluic acid.

Properties

Prisms from water, mp 111-113°, bp 263°. Sublimes. Sol in 1170 parts water at 15°, 60 parts boiling water; very sol in alcohol, ether.

Derivative

o-Toluic acid.

Properties

Crystals, mp 107-108°; bp 258-260°; volatile with steam. Slightly sol in cold water; sol in 35 parts boiling water; very sol in alcohol.

Derivative

p-Toluic acid.

Properties

Crystals, mp 180-181°; bp 274-275°. Sparingly sol in hot water; very sol in alcohol, ether, methanol.