Veratrole (CAS No. 91-16-7)

Synonyms:
Catechol Dimethyl Ether
Pyrocatechol Dimethyl Ether
1,2-Dimethoxybenzene

Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₀O₂
Molecular Weight: 138.165

[Description]

1, 2-Dimethoxybenzene, commonly known as veratrole, is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(OCH3)2. It is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor and slight solubility in water.
It is the dimethyl ether derived from pyrocatechol, too.
1, 2-Dimethoxybenzene is naturally occurring. Its biosynthesis entails the methylation of guaiacol by guaiacol O-methyltransferase.1, 2-Dimethoxybenzene is an insect attractant.
Guaiacol O-methyltransferase gene is first scent gene discovered so far in any plant species.

[Uses]

1, 2-Dimethoxybenzene is a building block for the organic synthesis of other aromatic compounds. Veratrole is relatively electron-rich and thus readily undergoes electrophilic substitution. An example of the use of veratrole is in the synthesis of Domipizone.
Veratrole can easily be brominated with NBS to give 4-bromoveratrole.