5-Methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol
[CAS# 29636-87-1]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Heterocyclic compound >> Imidazoles
• Name: 5-Methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol
• Synonyms: 4-(Hydroxymethyl)-5-methyl-1H-imidazole; 4-(Hydroxymethyl)-5-methylimidazole; 4-Methyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)imidazole;4-Methyl-5-imidazolemethanol; 5-(Hydroxymethyl)-4-methylimidazole
• Molecular Formula: C₅H₈N₂O
• Molecular Weight: 112.13
• CAS Registry Number: 29636-87-1
• EC Number: 249-740-8
• SMILES: CC1=C(N=CN1)CO

Properties

• Density: 1.2±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*, 1.231 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: 136 ºC (Expl.)
• Index of Refraction: 1.574, Calc.^*
• Boiling Point: 389.1±27.0 ºC (760 mmHg), Calc.^*
• Flash Point: 189.1±23.7 ºC, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H302-H314-H319
• Precautionary Statements: P260-P264-P264+P265-P270-P280-P301+P317-P301+P330+P331-P302+P361+P354-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P316-P321-P330-P337+P317-P363-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1B	H314
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319

Discovory and Applicatios

5-Methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol is an organic compound with the molecular formula C5H8N2O, consisting of an imidazole ring substituted with a methyl group at the 5-position and a hydroxymethyl group at the 4-position. It is a colorless or pale yellow liquid that is soluble in water and organic solvents. This compound is part of the imidazole family, which includes other biologically active molecules such as histamine and several pharmaceutical agents. 5-Methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol is primarily synthesized via the reaction of 5-methylimidazole with formaldehyde, a well-established method in the preparation of various imidazole derivatives.

The discovery of 5-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol is situated in the broader exploration of imidazole derivatives, which have attracted significant attention due to their diverse pharmacological properties and structural versatility. Imidazole-based compounds are essential in a wide range of biological processes, serving as important intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The introduction of a hydroxymethyl group and methyl group onto the imidazole ring can enhance the molecule’s solubility, reactivity, and biological activity, leading to its use in various applications.

One of the key applications of 5-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol is in medicinal chemistry, where it serves as a precursor or intermediate in the synthesis of drugs targeting multiple therapeutic areas. Its structural features make it suitable for the design of compounds with antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The imidazole ring is known for its ability to bind to metal ions, a feature that has been exploited in the design of enzyme inhibitors. 5-Methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol has been utilized in the synthesis of potential drug candidates that interact with enzymes involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes, thereby offering promise in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

In addition to its medicinal applications, 5-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol is used in the synthesis of biologically active molecules in the agricultural sector. The compound’s ability to form stable complexes with various metal ions has led to its investigation as a ligand in the development of agrochemicals. These metal-complexing properties are important in the formulation of fungicides and pesticides, as such interactions can enhance the efficacy and stability of agrochemical agents.

The compound has also found applications in materials science, particularly in the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are porous materials with a variety of applications in gas storage, catalysis, and separation processes. 5-Methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol, due to its ability to coordinate with metal ions through the nitrogen atoms in the imidazole ring, can be incorporated into MOFs, where it plays a role in tuning the properties of the material. The inclusion of 5-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol in MOFs can improve their structural stability and functional characteristics, making them valuable for use in industrial applications such as carbon capture or catalytic processes.

Moreover, 5-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol has been investigated as a potential intermediate in the synthesis of other fine chemicals and specialty compounds. Its functional groups allow it to undergo further transformations in organic synthesis, making it a versatile building block in the preparation of complex organic molecules used in both industrial and research settings.

In summary, 5-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol is a valuable compound in both the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries due to its ability to form metal complexes, as well as its role as a precursor to biologically active molecules. Its applications in drug development, agrochemical synthesis, and material science highlight its importance as an intermediate for creating a variety of useful compounds. As research continues into its reactivity and biological activities, 5-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-methanol is expected to find even more applications in diverse fields.