2-Methylbenzoxazole

Synonym(s):2-Methyl-1,3-benzoxazole;2-Methyl-4,5-benzoxazole

CAS NO.：95-21-6
Empirical Formula: C8H7NO
Molecular Weight: 133.15
MDL number: MFCD00005771
EINECS: 202-399-9
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-01-13 11:13:41

What is 2-Methylbenzoxazole?

Chemical properties

clear colourless to yellow liquid

Chemical properties

Yellowish liquid, solidifying in the cold.
Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, miscible with most oils. Very sweet odor of rather gassy-pungent character when undiluted, becoming floralsweet, heavy, when diluted.

The Uses of 2-Methylbenzoxazole

2-Methylbenzoxazole has been used in synthesis of bis-styryl dyes. It is also used in medicine and for the synthesis of other organic compounds.

Definition

ChEBI: A member of the class of 1,3-benzoxazoles that is 1,3-benzoxazole substituted by a methyl group at position 2.

Production Methods

2-Methylbenzoxazole can be produced from ortho-Aminophenol plus Acetic anhydride by heating and distilling.

Aroma threshold values

High strength odor, tobacco type; recommend smelling in a 0.10% solution or less.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron Letters, 37, p. 675, 1996 DOI: 10.1016/0040-4039(95)02240-6

Biochem/physiol Actions

Odor at 1.0%: Musty, nutty pecan, almond and pistachio-like, tobacco, vanilla-like with brown roasted burnt rubber and cooked rice-like nuances.Taste at 2.0ppm: Musty, nutty, vanilla and rice-like.

Properties of 2-Methylbenzoxazole

Melting point:	5-10 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	178 °C(lit.)
Density	1.121 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
refractive index	n20/D 1.548(lit.)
FEMA	4398 \| 2-METHYL-4,5-BENZOXAZOLE
Flash point:	167 °F
storage temp.	Keep in dark place,Sealed in dry,Room Temperature
form	clear liquid
pka	1.58±0.10(Predicted)
color	Colorless to Light yellow to Light orange
Specific Gravity	1.121
Odor	at 0.10 % in dipropylene glycol. tobacco burnt phenolic meaty powdery capers
Water Solubility	Not miscible in water.
JECFA Number	1557
BRN	112297
CAS DataBase Reference	95-21-6(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	Benzoxazole, 2-methyl-(95-21-6)
EPA Substance Registry System	Benzoxazole, 2-methyl- (95-21-6)

Safety information for 2-Methylbenzoxazole

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Corrosion Corrosives GHS05 Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H302:Acute toxicity,oral H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H318:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.