Methoxy
Encyclopedia
In chemistry
(particularly organic chemistry
), methoxy refers to the functional group
consisting of a methyl group
bound to oxygen
. This alkoxy group
has the formula O
–C
H
3.
The word is used in organic nomenclature usually to describe an ether
. It is also an electron-donating group and can cause an organic compound to become less acid
ic.
The simplest case is another methyl group giving dimethyl ether
; other methoxy ethers are methoxyethane
and methoxypropane. In the field of natural compounds, examples bearing methoxy groups are O-methylated flavonoid
s. It is also found in Mescaline
and its analogues, 2C-B
, 2C-E
and 2C-P
for instance.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
(particularly organic chemistry
Organic chemistry
Organic chemistry is a subdiscipline within chemistry involving the scientific study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-based compounds, hydrocarbons, and their derivatives...
), methoxy refers to the functional group
Functional group
In organic chemistry, functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. The same functional group will undergo the same or similar chemical reaction regardless of the size of the molecule it is a part of...
consisting of a methyl group
Methyl group
Methyl group is a functional group derived from methane, containing one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms —CH3. The group is often abbreviated Me. Such hydrocarbon groups occur in many organic compounds. The methyl group can be found in three forms: anion, cation and radical. The anion...
bound to oxygen
Oxygen
Oxygen is the element with atomic number 8 and represented by the symbol O. Its name derives from the Greek roots ὀξύς and -γενής , because at the time of naming, it was mistakenly thought that all acids required oxygen in their composition...
. This alkoxy group
Alkoxy group
In chemistry, the alkoxy group is an alkyl group singular bonded to oxygen thus: R—O. The range of alkoxy groups is great, the simplest being methoxy . An ethoxy group is found in the organic compound phenetol, C6H5OCH2CH3 which is also known as ethoxy benzene...
has the formula O
Oxygen
Oxygen is the element with atomic number 8 and represented by the symbol O. Its name derives from the Greek roots ὀξύς and -γενής , because at the time of naming, it was mistakenly thought that all acids required oxygen in their composition...
–C
Carbon
Carbon is the chemical element with symbol C and atomic number 6. As a member of group 14 on the periodic table, it is nonmetallic and tetravalent—making four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds...
H
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the chemical element with atomic number 1. It is represented by the symbol H. With an average atomic weight of , hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant chemical element, constituting roughly 75% of the Universe's chemical elemental mass. Stars in the main sequence are mainly...
3.
The word is used in organic nomenclature usually to describe an ether
Ether
Ethers are a class of organic compounds that contain an ether group — an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups — of general formula R–O–R'. A typical example is the solvent and anesthetic diethyl ether, commonly referred to simply as "ether"...
. It is also an electron-donating group and can cause an organic compound to become less acid
Acid
An acid is a substance which reacts with a base. Commonly, acids can be identified as tasting sour, reacting with metals such as calcium, and bases like sodium carbonate. Aqueous acids have a pH of less than 7, where an acid of lower pH is typically stronger, and turn blue litmus paper red...
ic.
The simplest case is another methyl group giving dimethyl ether
Dimethyl ether
Dimethyl ether , also known as methoxymethane, is the organic compound with the formula . The simplest ether, it is a colourless gas that is a useful precursor to other organic compounds and an aerosol propellant. When combusted, DME produces minimal soot and CO, though HC and NOx formation is...
; other methoxy ethers are methoxyethane
Methoxyethane
Methoxyethane, also known as ethyl methyl ether, is an ethyl group with a bonded methoxy. Methoxyethane is a colorless gaseous ether with a medicine-like odor. It is extremely flammable, and its inhalation may cause asphyxiation or dizzyness. As a Lewis base, it can react with Lewis acids to form...
and methoxypropane. In the field of natural compounds, examples bearing methoxy groups are O-methylated flavonoid
O-methylated flavonoid
The O-methylated flavonoids or methoxyflavonoids are flavonoids with methylations on hydroxyl groups . O-methylation has an effect on the solubility of flavonoids.-Enzymes:...
s. It is also found in Mescaline
Mescaline
Mescaline or 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine is a naturally occurring psychedelic alkaloid of the phenethylamine class used mainly as an entheogen....
and its analogues, 2C-B
2C-B
2C-B or 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine is a psychedelic drug of the 2C family. It was first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin in 1974. In Shulgin's book PiHKAL, the dosage range is listed as 16–24 mg. 2C-B is sold as a white powder sometimes pressed in tablets or gel caps and is referred...
, 2C-E
2C-E
2C-E is a psychedelic and phenethylamine of the 2C family. It was first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin. 2C-E is typically found as a white crystalline powder....
and 2C-P
2C-P
2C-P is a psychedelic phenethylamine and 2C compound first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin.-Chemistry:2C-P is 2,5-dimethoxy-4--propylphenethylamine. The full name of the chemical is 2-ethanamine.-Dosage:...
for instance.