3-Methoxybenzoic acid

Synonym(s):m-Anisic acid;m-Methylsalicylic acid;3-Methoxybenzoic acid

CAS NO.：586-38-9
Empirical Formula: C8H8O3
Molecular Weight: 152.15
MDL number: MFCD00002499
EINECS: 209-574-9
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-05-28 00:42:27

What is 3-Methoxybenzoic acid?

Chemical properties

white to light yellow crystal powder

Chemical properties

3-Methoxybenzoic acid is practically odorless.

The Uses of 3-Methoxybenzoic acid

3-Methoxybenzoic acid is used in the synthesis and characterization of 3-methoxybenzoates of europium (III) and gadolinium (III)1. It was used in conversion of aromatic carboxylic acids into methyl esters and reduction to the corresponding primary alcohols using a sodium borohydride-THF-methanol system

Definition

ChEBI: 3-methoxybenzoic acid is a methoxybenzoic acid that is benzoic acid substituted by a methoxy group at position 3. It has a role as a flavouring agent and a human urinary metabolite. It is functionally related to a 3-hydroxybenzoic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 3-methoxybenzoate.

General Description

3-Methoxybenzoic acid is an important intermediate in the synthesis of natural products.

Safety Profile

Poison by intraperitoneal route.When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke andirritating fumes.

Purification Methods

Crystallise m-anisic acid from H2O (m 109o, 110.5o) or EtOH/water. The S-benzylisothiuronium salt has m 176o (from EtOH). [Beilstein 10 II 80, 10 III 244, 10 IV 316.]

Properties of 3-Methoxybenzoic acid

Melting point:	105-107 °C (lit.)
Boiling point:	170-172 °C/10 mmHg (lit.)
Density	1.2143 (rough estimate)
refractive index	1.4945 (estimate)
FEMA	3944 \| 3-METHOXYBENZOIC ACID
Flash point:	170-172°C/10mm
storage temp.	Sealed in dry,Room Temperature
solubility	95% ethanol: soluble50mg/mL, clear, colorless to faintly yellow
form	Powder
pka	4.10(at 25℃)
color	Off-white to slightly yellow-beige
Water Solubility	Soluble in 95% ethanol (50 mg/ml), water (2 mg/ml at 25°C) and methanol.
JECFA Number	882
BRN	508838
CAS DataBase Reference	586-38-9(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	Benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-(586-38-9)
EPA Substance Registry System	Benzoic acid, 3-methoxy- (586-38-9)

Safety information for 3-Methoxybenzoic acid

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P264:Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P264:Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.