Methyl 4-oxobutanoate

CAS NO.：13865-19-5
Empirical Formula: C5H8O3
Molecular Weight: 116.12
MDL number: MFCD00082185
EINECS: 237-611-9
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-01-13 11:26:48

What is Methyl 4-oxobutanoate?

Description

Methyl-4-oxobutyrate is a kind of oxobutyrate derivative. It is an important industrial intermediate. It, together with its methanol addition products such as methyl 4,4-dimethoxybutyrate and gamma- methoxy-gamma-butyrolactone are useful intermediates during the preparation of some important industrial compounds such as gamma- butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol and glutamate. It is also useful as a model substrate during exploring the asymmetric henry reaction since it can assemble a stereodefined lactam with high efficiency and enantiomeric purity.

The Uses of Methyl 4-oxobutanoate

Methyl 4-oxobutanoate may be used as a starting material to synthesize (-)-deoxoprosophylline, a piperidine alkaloid with therapeutic potential.

What are the applications of Application

Methyl 4-oxobutanoate is a simple aldehyde methyl ester compound

References

Gresham, William F, R. E. Brooks, and W. M. Bruner. "Preparation of methyl 4-oxobutyrate." US2549454. 1951.
Murib, Jawad H, and W. D. Baugh. "Process for the preparation of methyl 4-oxobutyrate and its methanol addition products." US, US5072005. 1991.
https://www.scbt.com/scbt/product/methyl-4-oxobutanoate-13865-19-5

Properties of Methyl 4-oxobutanoate

Boiling point:	187-188 °C(lit.)
Density	1.109 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
refractive index	n20/D 1.424(lit.)
Flash point:	187 °F
storage temp.	2-8°C
solubility	Chloroform (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly)
form	Oil
color	Colourless

Safety information for Methyl 4-oxobutanoate

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. P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing. P332+P313:IF SKIN irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. P337+P313:IF eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention.