2-Undecynoic acid methyl ester

Description

Methyl 2-undecynoate has a powerful, waxy, green, floral odor with a sweet flavor reminiscent of violet. May be prepared by methylation of the corresponding acid at the boil in the presence of HCL or at room temperature in the presence of H2S04; the acid can be prepared from methyl nonyl ketone by reaction with phosphorous pentachloride, which yields the acetylenic compound; treatment of this with potassium carbonate yields undecyne, which is then converted to the acid by treatment with Na and methyl chlorocarbonate.

Chemical properties

Methyl 2-undecynoate has a powerful, waxy, green, floral odor. It has a sweet flavor reminiscent of violet

Preparation

By methylation of the corresponding acid at the boil in the presence of HCl or at room temperature in the presence of H2SO4; the acid can be prepared from methyl nonyl ketone by reaction with phosphorus pentachloride, which yields the acetylenic compound; treatment of this with potassium carbonate yields undecyne, which is then converted to the acid by treatment with sodium and methyl chlorocarboante.

Definition

ChEBI: Methyl 2-undecynoate is a fatty acid ester.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 20 ppm: green, fruity, oily, fatty, chicken- and tallow-like.