Trimethyl orthoformate is the simplest orthoester. It is a reagent used in organic synthesis for the introduction of a protecting group for aldehydes. The product of reaction of an aldehyde with trimethyl orthoformate is an acetal. In general cases, these acetals can be deprotected back to the aldehyde by using hydrochloric acid. The industrial synthesis of this chemical is from hydrogen cyanide and methanol. Trimethyl orthoformate is a useful building block for creating methoxymethylene groups and heterocyclic ring systems. It introduces a formyl group to a nucleophilic substrate, e.g. RNH2 to form R-NH-CHO, which can undergo further reactions. It is used in the production of the fungicides, azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin, as well as for some members of the floxacin family of antibacterial drugs. A number of pharmaceutical intermediates are also made from trimethyl orthoformate.
Appearance & Physical State
Colorless transparent liquid
Density
0.97
Melting Point
-53ºC
Boiling Point
101-102ºC
Flash Point
13ºC
Refractive Index
1.378-1.38
Water Solubility
10 g/L (hydrolysis)
Stability
Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.
