Long before specialty chemicals hit the mainstream, researchers found themselves searching for specific aromatic compounds that could serve as building blocks for dyes, pharmaceuticals, and even flavors. 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene came out of work with methoxy-substituted benzenes, tracking back to early organic chemistry laboratories experimenting with lignin degradation or coal tar derivatives. Its story ties in with the rise of modern synthetic organic chemistry in the early 20th century. Academic journals from the 1930s reference trimethoxybenzene as an intermediate, and its uses started branching out as analytical equipment advanced. Seeing the way new analytical tools like chromatography could trace these small molecules encouraged chemists to isolate and refine this compound further.
Chemists recognize 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene for its reliability as a starting point. The molecule features a benzene ring with three methoxy groups positioned at the first, second, and third carbon atoms. This setup unlocks a unique reactivity profile, making it attractive for work with electrophilic aromatic substitutions. Companies market this compound under several product names and offer it in highly purified crystalline forms, ensuring a staple role in organic laboratories and some specialty production lines. Beyond its appearance in lab syntheses, some sectors look to it for custom molecule design and pigment development.
1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene appears as a colorless or lightly yellow crystalline solid with a faint herbal odor. It melts at close to 53-57°C and boils above 270°C, showing solid stability under standard storage. Its low solubility in water pairs with strong solubility in organic solvents, helping it dissolve well in chloroform, diethyl ether, and alcohols. The molecule keeps its integrity at room temperature, resisting quick oxidation or decomposition in the absence of strong acids or oxidizers. These baseline properties let chemists work with it without dealing with rapid spoilage or surprise side reactions.
High-purity grades (≥98%) of 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene often ship in amber glass containers. Product labeling shows critical information: chemical formula (C9H12O3), molecular weight (168.19 g/mol), batch numbers, synthesis origin, recommended storage temperature, and hazard identifications. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) come with every batch, outlining key technical criteria such as melting point, boiling point, density, and potential contaminants. Manufacturers document heavy metal trace limits and organic impurity profiles to meet demanding R&D and production needs.
Industrial routes for synthesizing this compound generally start with pyrogallol or 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene. The process involves methylation, where dimethyl sulfate or methyl iodide reacts in the presence of a strong base, turning the hydroxyl groups into methoxy groups. Some protocols use potassium carbonate and anhydrous acetone to minimize byproducts and create a cleaner product stream. The result is often recrystallized from ethanol or similar solvents to reach high purity. At scale, producers choose routes based on cost, access to starting phenolics, and regulations around toxic methylating agents.
The three methoxy groups on 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene offer interesting chemistry. Electrophilic substitutions such as bromination, nitration, or Friedel–Crafts acylation usually target the unoccupied 5-position, creating new functionalized aromatics. The molecule's strong electron-donating methoxy groups activate the ring, making the reactions more predictable and reducing side product formation. Deprotection of the methoxy groups leads back to hydroxybenzenes, while more aggressive conditions can strip and reform functional groups, guiding the way to more complex molecular frameworks. In practice, this gives chemists a toolbox for drug synthesis, new ligand platforms, or custom catalysts.
In literature and supply catalogs, 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene pops up under several names, including "Pyrogallol trimethyl ether," "1,2,3-TMB," and "Benzene, 1,2,3-trimethoxy-". These synonyms help researchers find relevant studies and procurement options in a global supply chain, sidestepping miscommunications or stock confusion. Regardless of the label, the core structure remains the same, but purity and source notes distinguish pharmaceutical-grade stock from industrial or research-grade sources.
Handling this aromatic ether calls for a few precautions. Even though it doesn’t carry the reactive punch of more volatile substances, it can irritate eyes and skin with direct contact and create breathing discomfort if large amounts aerosolize. Safety protocols demand gloves, eye protection, and fume hood work for any large-scale or high-purity syntheses. Staff training covers what to do if spills occur, safe containment, and how to store the product at stable temperatures away from oxidizers. Compliance with OSHA and Europe’s REACH standard can be time-consuming but minimizes risk, especially when handling batch quantities destined for other synthesis steps. Users pay close attention to labeling, transportation guidelines, and disposal instructions.
1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene won a spotlight in pharmaceutical R&D and fine chemical work. Medicinal chemistry uses it to craft bioactive phenolic ethers and heterocycles, while pigment manufacturers value it for synthesizing intricate dyes and colorants. It moves through drug precursor pipelines, especially where aromatic substitution offers a key intermediate. Analytical chemistry labs use it as an internal standard when tracking methoxybenzenes in both environmental samples and synthetic reaction monitoring. In the last ten years, more attention drifted to green chemistry solutions aiming to replace or minimize the use of traditional methylating agents, signaling new methods for sustainable production.
Current research explores the molecule's potential in natural product mimicry and selective catalyst ligand design. Scientists use its electron-rich aromatic core as a springboard into regioselective synthesis, multi-step coupling, and even as a probe molecule to study reaction mechanisms. Advances in flow chemistry have made continuous synthesis of 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene more accessible, optimizing throughput and reducing waste. Collaboration between academic institutions and industrial labs accelerates the discovery of novel applications, from material science to greener pharmaceutical processing, extending the utility of this compound in ways traditional organics never attempted.
Earlier toxicological studies framed 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene as fairly benign compared to other small aromatics, but the compound can still produce mild toxicity at high doses. Animal studies show limited acute toxicity with skin exposure but document possible central nervous system depression with chronic inhalation. So far, long-term carcinogenicity data is insufficient, though workplace exposure limits remain far below thresholds linked to health problems. Risk assessments continue to evolve, mainly to match modern standards for safe chemical handling and to keep up with new findings in chronic low-level exposure effects.
Looking ahead, interest in renewable-source aromatics and the demand for greener, safer synthesis pathways will likely shift how chemists view 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene. Researchers keep testing bio-based feedstocks, seeking alternatives to petrochemical phenols in the preparation stage. From a market angle, companies see growth potential in specialty intermediates, especially as regulatory climates tighten on solvent and reagent emissions. Precision medicine, advanced electronics, and sustainable pigment production could become primary arenas where refinements in this molecule’s production and application stand out. With better analytical mapping and automation, the odds improve for spotting new downstream uses that were off radar a decade ago.
1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene often pops up in laboratories and chemical plants alike. Its structure—three methoxy groups locked onto a benzene ring—makes it easy to handle for anyone who’s spent time working with aromatic compounds. The story of this chemical is closely tied to both large-scale manufacturing and the tinkering that goes on in university research labs.
Researchers rely on 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene for making more complex molecules. The molecule serves as a starting point in the synthesis of a range of natural products and pharmaceuticals. In particular, chemists use it to construct flavonoids and alkaloids, two classes of compounds found all over nature. These groups carry a lot of value: medicines, pigments, and chemical sensors spring from them. The methoxy groups protect the ring and guide other reactions, making each step in synthesis a little more predictable.
The pharmaceutical world often takes cues from compounds produced by plants and fungi. Starting with something versatile and easily modified, like 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene, researchers set about tweaking it to test for useful biological activity. Derivatives from this compound have helped scientists find new candidates for treating infections and cancers. In the quest for better crop protection, the agrochemical sector has also tapped into derivatives of this molecule to develop pesticides and herbicides.
Color remains a big business, and the dye industry draws heavily on benzene derivatives. The three methoxy groups of 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene make it a strong candidate for creating lively and stable colors. Synthetic dyes made from this molecule land in textiles, plastics, and specialty papers. The aromatic ring adds stability, while the methoxy groups keep the colors vivid. With so much demand for quality colorants that last, this compound isn’t fading from relevance anytime soon.
Laboratories sometimes need internal standards for gas chromatography or mass spectrometry. The stable and distinctive structure of 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene makes it a favored choice for this role. Consistent results help analysts confirm the identity and quantity of target chemicals in everything from pharmaceuticals to environmental pollutants. Quality control checks become a little less worrisome because analysts can depend on well-characterized standards like this one.
While 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene has real value, it comes with responsibilities. Any chemical with wide use has to be made safely, handled with care, and disposed of responsibly. Incidents in chemical plants involving organic solvents underline the need for better ventilation and spill controls. Where I’ve worked, simple changes like dedicating certain hoods to aromatic compound work helped keep people safe. Regular training and strict protocols for handling and disposal can go a long way in reducing risk. On the green chemistry side, companies and universities have started hunting for safer solvents and milder reaction conditions, a shift that keeps people and the planet in mind.
The chemistry bench and the manufacturing floor both depend on small, useful molecules like 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene. By finding the balance between progress and safety, workers and researchers can keep unlocking the value of these chemicals, without turning a blind eye to the risks that come from their widespread use.
Chemistry gets real when a structure points you right to its properties and what it might do in the real world. 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene, just by the name, draws someone into a specific arrangement. There’s a benzene ring, which for anyone who did school-level chemistry, stands out as one of the most iconic backbones in organic chemistry. On this ring, three methoxy groups cling to the carbons next to each other. Picture a hexagon for benzene, and at the one, two, and three o’clock spots, there’s an oxygen atom tied to a methyl group (–OCH3). That’s a methoxy group, and it changes a lot about the molecule.
Sitting in the family known as methoxybenzenes, this compound connects directly to what you find in nature and in labs. For a long time, aromatic compounds with methoxy groups have sparked attention for their flavors, fragrances, and their place in plant defense. Each methoxy group gives the ring a push, making the electrons move in unique ways, and that impacts how the molecule behaves. If you look at related structures, like 1,2,4-Trimethoxybenzene or 1,3,5-Trimethoxybenzene, their arrangement tweaks how reactive or stable they seem, even if just a few atoms found new spots.
Personal experience from the research world shows how even a small change in a chemical structure can make or break a reaction. People involved in synthesis run into these differences all the time. Their goal might be a step toward making a complex pharmaceutical or designing a new material with specific electronic properties. 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene comes up often as a building block, especially because its substitution pattern makes it easier to run certain reactions—like electrophilic aromatic substitution.
In industry, specialists have found value because oxygen and methoxy groups can tame the reactivity. In the fragrance sector, methoxybenzenes deliver the smooth, sweet, and lingering notes that show up in some of the world’s favorite perfumes. Plants also craft molecules like this, which lets researchers follow nature’s playbook while looking for new medicines. Curiosity combined with a solid understanding of structure fuels discovery, and every methoxy group nudges the path forward.
Like with many aromatic compounds, chemical safety comes into play early. Direct handling without gloves and proper ventilation increases health risks. The methoxy groups do not grant a free pass to mishandling or ignoring storage guidelines. Environmentally, residues from aromatic compounds have caused problems, so responsible labs set up containment and proper disposal routines. For folks who care about green chemistry, these steps make sense to limit exposure and downstream impact.
Many chemists are using green synthesis to lower the impact of making and using trimethoxybenzenes. New catalysts, milder solvents, and smarter waste management are changing how molecules like 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene enter the supply chain. In my experience, a proactive approach, borrowing ideas from both industry and academic research, brings real improvement without sacrificing yield or purity. Trying new methods and sharing what works helps move the field toward safer, more sustainable chemistry.
Stepping into the details of 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene’s structure opens up dialogue between safety, function, and future innovation. Every time a lab draws out those three methoxy groups, a story unfolds about why minute details can unlock entirely new routes for discovery—making chemical structure questions more than a matter of curiosity but a driver for real progress.
1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene is often found in labs and sometimes used in chemical manufacturing steps. Most people never come across it outside a chemistry setting. It’s a chemical with three methoxy groups attached to a benzene ring. For the average person, pressing issues arise more from gasoline at the pump than from molecules in a beaker. So, does it pose a risk worth worrying about?
To answer that honestly, it’s important to see how workers might run into this substance. Chemists working with 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene will encounter it in powdered or liquid form. Those in private homes, schools, or grocery stores won’t have to think about it. Accidental skin contact or inhalation could happen during a spill in a lab. Anyone working where solvents and reagents are handled would know the drill: gloves, goggles, sometimes a fume hood. Safety isn’t just about having a lab coat on hand; it means treating every chemical, even the ones that seem harmless, with respect.
I’ve seen countless safety data sheets pass through my hands. Information gets updated, but sources like the European Chemicals Agency or PubChem keep things clear: 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene hasn’t shown itself as a high-risk toxin for humans or the environment under ordinary conditions. This isn’t the sort of substance that sets off alarm bells like mercury or cyanide. Still, its lack of widespread testing means gaps stay open for surprises. For example, animal studies show low acute toxicity. That means a single exposure—even a small spill—will probably not lead to major health problems, though irritation to eyes or skin is still possible. Chronic effects are less clear since few people work with enough of this stuff, day in and day out, to raise patterns or red flags on long-term health.
Concerns over 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene rarely center on acute toxicity. Fire risk deserves more attention. With a flash point over 113°C, it takes some heat to ignite, but it still burns with enough oomph to warrant basic safe handling. Environmental regulations push for responsible disposal, as organic compounds don’t just vanish without a trace in water or soil. Facilities using chemicals such as this follow waste protocols to prevent pollution down the drain or into the atmosphere. It’s about doing the right thing without making headlines.
Some treat hazard ratings like a yes-or-no question, but real life needs better context. Chemical risk isn’t measured by how scary the name sounds but by exposure and the safety net in place. For most, this means reading up on the latest safety reviews and learning from industry best practices. I worked in a lab that handled risk like clockwork: every substance labeled, every container secured, and everyone trained. Constant awareness and respect for even "low-risk" chemicals prevented close calls. Finding alternatives with lower environmental impact makes sense for large-scale use, but in small research applications, substitution won’t always be possible or necessary. Staying informed through trusted sources pays off, since regulations and hazard labels change as science uncovers more data.
People often keep chemicals in the lab or storage room without a second thought. Over my years working in research labs, I’ve learned chemical safety never happens by accident. Some substances seem harmless, but issues still crop up if careless habits take over. 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene doesn’t look dangerous at first sight. It’s a colorless solid, has a faint smell, and rarely draws attention. Still, those qualities can fool both new and experienced workers into treating it with less respect than it deserves. Safety with chemicals builds on putting the right systems in place—storage ranks high on that list.
Most solid organics, including 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene, ask for cool, dry environments. Heat can push unexpected reactions, so keeping the container out of sunlight or away from equipment that heats up through the day helps. Dryness matters even more. Moisture brings risk—clumped material, faster breakdown, or unwanted reactions with water in the air. Storing the material in a spot shielded from steamy lab sinks or open windows cuts risk and saves headaches. My own habit has always been reaching for desiccators, or at the very least, sealed cabinets with a packet of drying agent inside. This one simple step keeps the product fresh and stable for years.
Easy rules can slip from memory, especially during busy times. I remember once seeing trimethoxybenzene placed next to solvents and acids because open shelf space ran low. A few weeks later, a container leaked, worsening an already careless arrangement. Segregation isn’t a rule meant to slow things down. It keeps reactive or incompatible materials from starting trouble if spills or leaks happen—acids and organics should live on different shelves. While 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene does not explode with a whiff of acid, keeping separation shows respect for good practice and anticipates worst-case scenarios. Assign clear labels and train the team, and you sidestep common errors and confusion during an emergency.
I’ve seen glass jars outlast thin plastic, especially where solvents or delicate compounds feature. Solid organic materials like 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene do well in tightly-sealed glass vessels. You won’t find chemical odors seeping out or accidental air creeping in. If someone reuses plastic, chemical resistance charts come in handy, but I have always trusted glass for most lab solids. Label every container straight away—stickers peel, inks smudge, so clear handwriting in a spot that stays readable for years matters. A well-known mistake in many teaching labs is watching faculty and students alike misidentify old samples due to faded or missing info. Safety grows from details paid attention to every single time.
Anything stored well skips problems before they show up. Trimethoxybenzene does not catch fire quickly, but keeping it far from open flames or heat sources protects against the rare but severe cases. Always treat even mild organics as if a spill might happen. Use cabinets with built-in spill trays under the lowest shelf—it’s a small investment that keeps cleanup fast and protects flooring. Share storage areas only with those trained to handle chemicals. Never allow storage in unsupervised general use closets or office spaces, even for “safe” compounds. Regular checks help spot cracked lids, liquid buildup, or faded labels. Most spills and exposure cases trace back to a simple missed detail. Pay attention, check often, and ask questions about any changes in the look, smell, or seal quality of storage jars.
Safety with chemicals doesn’t depend on one-off fixes. It grows through trusted habits and regular checks. Store 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene with the same care as any lab solid: cool, dry spot, sealed glass, away from reactors or acids, clear labeling, and routine monitoring. Even materials with safe reputations deserve careful handling. Training new lab members on storage basics makes every project run smoother and keeps minor mistakes from becoming full-blown incidents. Rely on good storage, not luck.
Many people working in labs, whether they're students, researchers, or small business owners, sometimes need to buy chemicals that usually aren’t found on regular store shelves. 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene is a good example. It's used in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical research, and sometimes in developing flavors or fragrances. For a molecule with just three methoxy groups on a benzene ring, it packs a lot of value in the right scientific context.
No matter how urgent the project, buying chemicals from questionable places invites trouble. I’ve learned the importance of turning to recognized chemical suppliers—Sigma-Aldrich, TCI America, Alfa Aesar, and Fisher Scientific come to mind. These vendors ask for paperwork and often require you to register or document your intended use. Genuine suppliers follow the law, provide safety data sheets, and guarantee both purity and reliable shipping. The idea of ordering lab-grade chemicals from some random online marketplace makes me pretty nervous. Regulatory agencies pay close attention to any chemical that crops up in research or could appear in less safe hands.
I’ve seen plenty of folks run into brick walls trying to order without the backing of a university or company. Most suppliers need proven institutional ties before they’ll complete a sale. If you’re a hobbyist or an independent researcher, this makes for a real headache. On rare occasions, I’ve come across smaller suppliers or dealers who cater to artists or educators and are willing to supply small research quantities, but this route always requires checking for proper permits and documentation.
Buying chemicals isn’t like picking up laundry detergent. Depending on where you live, even seemingly harmless aromatic compounds become a legal minefield. I’ve seen countries with strict import rules or controls on any chemical that could be used in certain syntheses. In the US, organizations like the DEA and local state boards may regulate some aromatic chemicals. Suppliers should ask for identification and project details not just as a formality, but to keep buyers and the public safe. If you’re found with a substance and no clear use, you could end up on the wrong side of the law.
Lack of access to legitimate sources encourages some people to look for alternatives. That’s a worrying trend, as back-alley sources may cut corners on purity, safety, or even legality. Experience has shown me that striking up conversations with professors, engineers, or local scientific societies often helps. They’ll either know a trustworthy supplier or be able to help you place an order through shared institutional accounts. Sometimes, faculty at a local college can act as a sponsor for bona fide educational projects.
Sourcing specialty chemicals, including 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene, always tests patience, but sticking to trusted vendors and grilling them about their products pays off. I keep an eye out for changes in national regulations and lean on established contacts. Knowing your own purpose, understanding the paperwork, and valuing transparency is all part of responsible and safe research.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene |
| Other names |
Beta-trimethoxybenzene
1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzol Pyrogallol trimethyl ether |
| Pronunciation | /ˌwaɪn.tuː.θriːˌtraɪˌmɛθ.ɒk.siˈbɛn.ziːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 697-23-4 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3D model (JSmol)` string for **1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene**: ``` COc1cc(OC)c(OC)cc1 ``` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1209249 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:34426 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL278481 |
| ChemSpider | 84502 |
| DrugBank | DB01852 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.011.017 |
| EC Number | 208-047-8 |
| Gmelin Reference | Gmelin 7744 |
| KEGG | C01482 |
| MeSH | D008094 |
| PubChem CID | 6949 |
| RTECS number | DC3325000 |
| UNII | SG7V0W2V6D |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID6020288 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C9H12O3 |
| Molar mass | 168.18 g/mol |
| Appearance | white to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | odorless |
| Density | 1.08 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 1.64 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0675 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 6.48 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb = 10.40 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -66.0·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.525 |
| Viscosity | 4.17 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.06 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 206.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -185.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1995 kJ·mol⁻¹ |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | No significant hazards. |
| GHS labelling | GHS labelling: "Not a hazardous substance or mixture according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | No signal word |
| Hazard statements | H302 + H315 + H319 |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: "P261, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1,2,3-Trimethoxybenzene: 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 108 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 410 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 5,300 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 4,530 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | SR4025000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Veratrole
1,3,5-Trimethoxybenzene Phloroglucinol Anisole Benzene Guaiacol |
