Methyl 2-Cyclopentanonecarboxylate has been a part of organic chemistry’s portfolio since the early days of cyclopentanone derivatives research. The roots of its discovery trace back to the period when synthetic methods for modifying five-membered carbocyclic ketones first gained traction. Chemists started seeking compounds that offered both stability and reactivity suitable for pharmaceutical exploration, flavors, and fragrances. Throughout the twentieth century, work in central Europe and North America focused on developing scalable routes for cyclopentanone-based esters. CMCP, owing to its combination of ester and ketone functionalities, stood out for its role in enabling the synthesis of more intricate molecules. Researchers catalogued each improvement in its preparation, often through trial and error, building an important toolbox for further innovation.
Methyl 2-Cyclopentanonecarboxylate sits at the intersection of synthetic utility and functional versatility. This compound brings together the flexibility of the methyl ester with the reactive potential of cyclopentanone. It finds uses as an intermediate in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavor manufacturing, and the broader fine chemicals sector. Practically, CMCP comes as a clear, slightly viscous liquid, typically stored in amber glass to maintain stability. Laboratories and production facilities source it in volumes ranging from small research-focussed amounts to multi-liter industrial batches, depending on downstream application. Its commercial reach spans both local chemical suppliers and global distributors, reflecting sustained interest from academia and industry.
CMCP displays a boiling point near 210-215°C at standard atmospheric pressure, showing a moderate vapor pressure that calls for careful storage. Its density hovers around 1.08 g/cm³, providing an easy reference for measurement during scale-up. The molecular weight stands at 156.18 g/mol. The compound features mild solubility in water but mixes far more freely with common organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform, which fits standard extraction and purification protocols in chemical synthesis labs. It offers a signature odor—faint and sweet—which researchers recognize during distillation and synthesis procedures. The double-functional nature, showing both a reactive keto group and a more stable ester, gives CMCP unique chemical behavior in many types of reaction pathways.
Specifications for this compound account for purity, water content, color, and residual solvents. Industrial suppliers typically provide purity ranging from 98% to over 99% via GC or HPLC analysis. Water content usually registers below 0.2% w/w, an important figure given the susceptibility of esters to hydrolysis during storage. The label often highlights the batch number, production date, expiration, storage conditions, and a UN shipping code for easier import/export handling. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) accompany each shipment to communicate risk management instructions to handlers both in research and industrial environments.
The most widespread route for CMCP production begins with cyclopentanone itself. Through a controlled condensation reaction, usually involving sodium ethoxide under anhydrous conditions, chemists derive the requisite carboxylic acid derivative. Direct esterification with methanol, catalyzed by acids such as sulfuric or p-toluenesulfonic, yields the methyl ester. Researchers have experimented with alternative methods, such as transesterification using methyl acetate or direct carbonylation pathways. Each technique tries to balance reaction conditions, costs, and downstream purification. Once synthesized, the product typically undergoes vacuum distillation to remove unreacted starting materials and side-products. Laboratories running multi-step syntheses often tweak catalysts, ratios, or reaction times to reach better yields or improved selectivity.
CMCP acts as a foundation for a wide spectrum of chemical reactions due to its duo of functional groups. The ketone allows for typical nucleophilic additions, giving access to alcohols and amines. At the same time, the ester group opens the door to saponification and transesterification, letting synthetic chemists tailor derivatives to particular roles—a critical step in medicinal chemistry and materials science. Reductive transformations using lithium aluminum hydride convert the ester to alcohols, while selective hydrolysis gives access to the free acid. Modifications often involve enolate chemistry, especially in the context of ring expansions, azide transfer, or cycloaddition sequences, pushing the boundaries for complex molecule construction. Several reactions pivot on the reactivity difference between the ester and ketone, offering pathways to selectively modify one without disturbing the other—a nuance that synthetic teams appreciate when mapping out retrosynthetic strategies.
This compound carries several alternative names depending on context and industry, including 2-Oxocyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester and methyl 2-oxocyclopentanecarboxylate. The CAS number, 1730-70-1, stays with it across scientific publications, safety documentation, and sales records, smoothing communication between researchers and suppliers. In catalogues, names might vary slightly, but the combination of cyclopentanone, carboxylate, and methyl ester remains a consistent touchpoint for unambiguous identification.
Proper handling of CMCP relies on tried-and-tested lab safety protocols. The ester and ketone functionalities render the compound flammable and potentially irritating if inhaled or coming into contact with skin. Users must don gloves, goggles, and work in ventilated spaces—typically fume hoods—during transfers and reactions. Facilities should keep absorption materials and fire extinguishers on standby given the volatility. Storage in cool, dry areas, away from oxidizers and bases, preserves product stability. Spills or exposure call for immediate washing and, if inhaled or ingested, quick medical assistance underlines the risk management culture that most chemists develop from experience. Each batch requires a fresh review of the safety data, since trace impurities or changes in formulation can alter risk profiles.
Industrial demand for CMCP springs from its utility in pharmaceuticals, especially as a scaffold for nitrogen-containing drugs and as a building block for lactam and diketone derivatives. Agrochemical firms incorporate it into formulations for plant protection and pest control, where metabolic breakdown patterns favor cyclopentanoid esters. Flavors and fragrances industries draw on its structure for synthesis of musks and sweet notes, often serving as a departure point for more complex odorants. In the context of specialty polymers, researchers employ CMCP as a monomer or functional modifier, leveraging the reactivity to tune polymer properties for chemosensors or bioactive coatings. The academic world values it as a teaching tool for advanced organic synthesis and mechanistic studies.
Research projects involving this compound speak to the ingenuity of synthetic chemists worldwide. Studies focus on new catalytic routes that minimize by-products and hazardous intermediates, aiming for more sustainable production cycles. Scientists explore asymmetric syntheses to deliver enantioselective versions, which could unlock new activity profiles in bioactive molecules. Analytical groups develop faster GC-MS or NMR techniques to monitor reactions involving CMCP, which improves efficiency in both lab-scale runs and industrial production. Some teams experiment with bio-based feedstocks to prepare the cyclopentanone backbone, responding to increasing pressure for greener chemical processes. Innovation here circles back to the ability of CMCP to facilitate downstream transformations, making it a launchpad for molecular discovery.
Detailed assessments of CMCP toxicity have helped clarify risk levels for both acute and chronic exposure. Studies measuring LD50 values in laboratory animals, along with tests on respiratory and dermal absorption, indicate a potential for mild to moderate toxicity depending on route and dose. Reproductive and genetic toxicity screens, often mandated under chemical safety regulations, point to relatively low risk when handled responsibly, though continued vigilance remains essential. Research into the environmental fate of CMCP breaks down its persistence, highlighting biodegradation routes and potential accumulation in aquatic systems. These data underpin guidelines for industrial discharge, spill remediation, and worker safety programs, translating scientific findings into protective measures for people and ecosystems.
The outlook for CMCP links closely with broader trends in chemical manufacturing and application-driven research. As pharmaceutical R&D pivots toward more complex scaffolds, the adaptability of cyclopentanone derivatives makes them candidates for next-generation drugs and therapeutics. Industrial chemistry looks for renewable raw materials and cleaner production steps, pushing for CMCP routes that cut waste and energy demands. Regulatory efforts focus on refining safety standards and monitoring environmental impacts, spurring investments in analytical chemistry and waste management technologies. Consultants and research managers weigh the cost of raw materials, regulatory risks, and downstream value creation, positioning CMCP for ongoing relevance across several markets. My own experience working in an academic chemistry lab showed how critical access to well-characterized intermediates like CMCP is—the difference between a productive, innovative semester and a stalled research program often hinges on reliable chemical supplies. As more industries intersect with advanced organics, and as demand grows for specialty molecules, this compound stands ready to play larger roles if scientists, producers, and regulators keep pace with changing needs.
Talk to any organic chemist and CMCP will sound familiar. Chemists hardly ever chat about molecules like this at the dinner table, but a compound like methyl 2-cyclopentanonecarboxylate makes waves in the lab. It pops up as a handy raw material for building bigger, more interesting molecules. This one, in particular, has a knack for unlocking possibilities that would stay hidden otherwise. The structure gives chemists a jumpstart, offering a single step where three get skipped, and time means everything in research and development settings.
Everyone depends on the world of pharmaceuticals one way or another. Methyl 2-cyclopentanonecarboxylate doesn’t show up in your medicine cabinet with a label, but it helps create several drugs that do. In my years around chemical research, I’ve watched teams take CMCP and stitch together molecules for pain relief, antiviral treatments, and other cures. The reason is pretty simple—its shape fits chemical reactions used in the stories behind real discoveries.
The fragrance world sees another side of this molecule. Perfume makers deal in molecules almost like poets use words. CMCP slips into aroma chemical blends with ease. Perfume labs love how it rounds out scents, especially those with woody, spicy, or sweet notes. It’s safe to say your nose has probably met this compound—maybe in a luxury fragrance or even a cheaper imitation. Knowing what goes into scents most people never even question makes you look differently at the next bottle you buy.
Methyl 2-cyclopentanonecarboxylate doesn’t land in phone ads or fast fashion, but it carries a lot of weight behind closed doors. It forms an essential building block for bigger molecules in agrochemicals, plastics, and specialty polymers. I’ve watched R&D teams turn CMCP into ingredients that protect crops or improve how certain plastics handle heat. These steps don’t often make headlines, but each new process helps companies move closer to safer, cleaner, and effective products.
Some compounds have catchy stories—CMCP wears a lab coat and works quietly. Its use in pharmaceutical and industrial manufacturing pushes the envelope, but safety must keep up. Toxicity and environmental impact aren’t afterthoughts; they’re essential responsibilities. In my own lab work, I’ve seen the paperwork and safety audits grow as regulations change worldwide. Every use calls for safe handling, vent hoods, and full documentation. Europe and North America hold manufacturers to strict standards for handling and disposal. Emerging economies take cues from this practice, but companies and regulators everywhere must keep pushing for even stricter oversight. CMCP offers promise, but only with respect for people and the planet.
Methyl 2-cyclopentanonecarboxylate is one tool among thousands that enables discoveries nobody’s seen yet. The real challenge isn’t how to make more; it’s how to use it wisely. Companies, governments, and scientists ought to get in the habit of looking closer at both benefits and risks—always pushing for testing, transparency, and greener alternatives. Cutting waste, improving safety protocols, and sharing results help everyone. Chemistry holds the power to improve lives, but only with respect, vigilance, and honest conversation.
People working in the dental field might already know about CMCP. It stands for Camphorated Monochlorophenol. Dentists have used this compound for decades, mostly to clean and disinfect root canals. The blend combines two major ingredients: monochlorophenol and camphor. They work side by side to pump out germs and keep infections in check.
The look and feel of CMCP mean a lot for anybody trying to use it. This liquid shows up clear and colorless. It gives off a pretty strong, sharp smell, which you can pick out from across the room. The camphor section adds a cool sensation that you’d notice if a bit gets on your skin. If you open a bottle, you’ll see it doesn’t hang around long—CMCP evaporates fast due to its high volatility. The density clocks in at roughly 1.05 g/cm³, meaning it’s a bit heavier than water but not by much.
If you knock over a bottle or leave it open, the pungent odor drifts out quickly, and your clinic can start to smell like a chemical lab. It dissolves well in alcohol and ether, and you can mix it with water to some degree, though not perfectly. This matters during dental procedures because it helps CMCP reach tight, tricky spots inside teeth.
Take a closer look at the chemistry, and you see what makes CMCP a hit in dentistry. It carries strong antiseptic punch. Both camphor and monochlorophenol push back bacteria and fungi, but it’s the phenol part that really tears down cell walls and tears up germs. Camphor softens the harsh kick of phenol, making the combination a touch less toxic for living tissues.
CMCP is stable if you store it in cool, dry places, away from sunlight. High temperatures or light break it down over time, which means clinics need to keep bottles sealed tight. It reacts fast with organic material, so if it gets onto mouth tissue or inside wounds, the compound quickly starts to work—and sometimes irritates healthy cells, too.
In practice, these physical and chemical quirks affect both safety and effectiveness. Too much exposure risks burns to gums or skin. Studies track the way high concentrations damage tissues, so dental teams measure carefully, dilute properly, and handle spills fast.
I’ve watched seasoned dentists rely on CMCP to treat persistent dental infections, especially in days before newer alternatives like chlorhexidine took over. The sharp smell lingers in your nose after a procedure, and you remember it because of the strong association with both successful and challenging outcomes. According to a 2020 study by Rocha et al., CMCP’s disinfection rate stays among the highest for endodontic materials; that said, newer solutions offer better tissue compatibility.
Here’s the flip side: CMCP isn’t kind to the environment. Runoff and improper disposal can disrupt waterways and harm aquatic life. In a time of greener healthcare, clinics have started looking for safer, eco-friendly replacements.
Regulations for CMCP stay on the tough side now. Many countries have cut back on its use, preferring gentler agents that still kill off bacteria. For those who still keep it in stock, the best step is smart handling and safe disposal. Medical teams should stick to well-ventilated rooms, gloves, and regular training on dealing with spills. Gradually, more clinics have begun switching to substitutes, but CMCP’s strong disinfectant action earns its place in dental history. Anyone working with it should know what makes it powerful—along with what makes it risky.
Anyone responsible for handling chemicals in a lab or manufacturing plant knows the headaches poor storage brings. CMCP, a compound regularly used in pharmaceutical and industrial settings, stands as no exception. Storing CMCP the right way protects workers and keeps the material effective for its intended use. The guidelines around this aren’t there just to fill a manual—they exist because many people "learned the hard way." Years ago, I watched a manufacturer lose thousands of dollars due to a shipment exposed to humidity. Lessons like those stick.
CMCP stores best at controlled room temperature, typically between 15°C and 25°C. Heat will do a number on its composition. So will freezing conditions. Exposing the chemical to high heat can cause degradation, pushing the compound's properties out of spec. Some people think a cool basement can serve as a cheap alternative, but fluctuating temperatures do more harm than good. Climate-controlled storage keeps the chemistry predictable. This isn’t just a preference—tests published in chemical safety journals showed stability drops when storage drifts outside the recommended temperature window.
Moisture is a real problem for CMCP. The wrong humidity creates clumping or unwanted reactions. In my own work, even brief exposure to damp air turned what should’ve been a powder into a sticky mess. Avoiding this risk means keeping storage below 60% relative humidity, often less. Sealed containers with desiccants go a long way toward preventing water vapor from ruining a batch. Several suppliers ship CMCP in airtight drums, and it’s smart to keep it that way once it arrives. I’ve also seen teams ruin a stock just by leaving a lid loose for a few hours on a humid day.
Light exposure causes slow chemical changes in many compounds, CMCP included. Standard practice blocks sunlight and strong artificial light by keeping containers closed and stored in opaque bins or cabinets. CMCP reacts with oxygen, too, especially after being opened. If possible, nitrogen flushing or vacuum-sealed storage improves shelf life. These steps line up with published findings in pharmaceutical processing, confirming that faulty storage can trigger oxidation—sometimes forcing entire lots to be thrown out due to unseen changes.
Following established guidelines for storage helps everyone in the supply chain. Store CMCP off the ground, away from drains or other sources of water. Use original packaging or transfer carefully into new, labeled containers with air-tight seals. Place storage areas away from direct sun, keeping them cool and dry. In most facilities, this means a dedicated chemical storeroom with regular checks for leaks, temperature changes, or unsealed lids. Training staff makes a big difference; a few hours each year, focused on storage routines and early warning signs, catches problems before they spread.
Common sense and good practice reduce risk, save money, and protect both people and product. No one feels good about scrapping expensive material or facing safety audits because storage rules got ignored. In the end, the recommended storage conditions for CMCP come from real-world experiences and a deep body of research. Those who respect these lessons keep their operations smooth and their materials safe for use.
CMCP, known in full as carboxymethylcellulose polymer, pops up across industries, but it draws special attention in labs and manufacturing spaces. Most chemists know it for its role as a thickener, binder, or stabilizer. Sometimes, folks in pharmaceuticals or food additives deal with it, but the stuff used in heavy industry or research can come in different grades—and risks rise with scale or purity.
Let’s clear the fog: Not every powder or chemical turns hazardous after crossing a certain weight. CMCP stands as a fairly stable compound and doesn't react wildly at room temperature or under regular handling. Still, a bag bursting open in a storage room sets up a dusty mess, and I’ve seen coworkers cough or rub their eyes when CMCP goes airborne. Small particles get into lungs and eyes fast. Anyone mixing or measuring out dry CMCP carries some risk, and once it migrates onto hands or skin, itchiness isn’t far behind. In rare situations, fine dust in the air can even present an explosion risk, which surprises many folks.
People tend to skip reading safety documents. I used to skim past them until a coworker in the lab ended up with a mild eye injury. Safety Data Sheets make clear that CMCP can irritate or harm if basic protection slips. Inhalation of dust sometimes produces shortness of breath or throat pain. Drinking contaminated water can lead to tummy trouble. Sometimes skin rash appears with repeated, direct exposure.
No one wants a workspace full of unneeded drama. Gloves and goggles keep contact with CMCP away from eyes and skin. Dust masks or cartridge respirators block inhalation during heavier handling or mixing. Handling large drums or bags brings extra energy—pallet jacks, scoops, even air extraction fans become important. People in busy warehouses sometimes cut corners, but that's when real slipups happen.
Storage matters, too. I remember a summer when humidity crept up and clumps formed inside nearby containers. Dry, tightly sealed bins keep moisture out and prevent cake-like buildup, which gets tough to work with and can support mold if things go wrong.
Any place storing CMCP in bulk should put training on the table early. Most issues show up because people didn’t take dust risk seriously. Regular cleaning, good ventilation, and low-dust sweeping tools cut exposure on the floor. Washing up before eating, and keeping the chemical off breakroom surfaces, protects against accidental ingestion or skin exposure.
Spill response plans belong in every chemical handling area. An open bag rips or spills, and not knowing the steps slows the whole shop down. Clear instructions and available absorbent material—plus a vacuum with HEPA filters—reduce the reach of a spill fast.
Everyone wants to finish work and go home safe. Tackling CMCP safely never takes much fancy equipment—a little personal protective gear and some good habits work wonders. If you’re not sure about a new grade of CMCP, or the guidelines feel iffy, call up the supplier and press for clarity. Their responsibility stretches as far as your workplace. Getting people on board with regular review and training sessions keeps knowledge fresh and problems rare. Simple, smart planning turns a routine risk into a routine task, and that’s something every shop can live with.
People who order CMCP—short for Calcium Monochloroacetate—often focus on purity. For downstream applications, small margins in quality can have large impacts. A typical batch from reputable factories lands between 98% to 99% purity. Any higher, and costs start to outweigh benefits for most uses. The big industry buyers make sure this range fits their needs, especially in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis, where a drop in purity can translate into inconsistent reactions or off-spec products.
I’ve seen some buyers push for “ultra-pure” grades, touting benefits for research work. Yet, 98% purity meets the majority of standards set by regulatory agencies. Lower grades, say in the range of 93-96%, can show up in more cost-sensitive markets, like basic industrial processes where small residuals don’t matter much. Most manufacturers publish a typical certificate of analysis with every lot, showing the exact breakdown, which buyers should read closely. Simple tip: anyone quoting a much higher or lower purity deserves a careful follow-up, since outliers often mean blended batches or questionable sources.
In practice, manufacturers sell CMCP in a small handful of standard sizes. Twenty-five-kilogram fiber drums or plastic pails sit at the center of most orders. They’re big enough to move product efficiently but not so large that handling and transport become hazards. Shops handling tonnage shift up to 500- or 1,000-kg intermediate bulk containers, especially in export or long-term contract deals.
It isn’t just about volume, though. Smaller 1- or 5-kg bags, sometimes grouped together in larger cartons, allow researchers or specialty manufacturers to work with what they need without waste. These sizes reduce exposure—and risk—since CMCP can irritate skin and eyes if mishandled. Manufacturers that care about reputation line packaging with double plastic liners and tamper-proof seals, minimizing both product loss and contamination.
Anyone buying chemical raw materials hears stories of shorted shipments and inconsistent product. Choosing a supplier with certification, transparent batch records, and traceable packaging numbers is not just a box-checking exercise. It’s about protecting people down the line and keeping processes running smoothly. Regulatory bodies in both the United States and Europe demand not only stated purity but evidence, so documentation and secure packaging trail matter as much as what is in the drum.
Factories with a good track record adopt strict batch testing and so keep recalls rare. I’ve walked sites where finished goods don’t leave the warehouse without a final check—no matter how behind the order book gets. Small details such as color, moisture, or clumping receive a quick visual inspection before shipping.
Problems around purity tend to crop up with price-driven buys. My experience says a reliable relationship with a vetted supplier trumps saving a few percent per kilogram. Third-party lab testing on the first delivery establishes a baseline, and routine spot checks cut long-term risk. Documentation—down to the lot and seal—carries just as much weight.
On the packaging side, making sure facilities can safely store and handle containers deserves attention before placing a big order. Even with high-grade packaging, improper stacking or leaving drums open in humid environments introduces more headaches than the discount on shipping ever covers. Businesses that invest in basic training for their handling staff see fewer product losses and safety incidents.
Decisions about CMCP purity or packaging aren’t just numbers and specs. They reflect trust, consistency, and respect for the end users who rely on these chemicals day in, day out. A little diligence up front saves plenty of trouble down the road.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Methyl 2-oxocyclopentane-1-carboxylate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈmɛθɪl tuː saɪkloʊˈpɛntəˌnoʊn kɑːrˈbɒksɪˌleɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 10472-24-9 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `data="C1CCC(C(=O)OC)C1=O"` |
| Beilstein Reference | 635873 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:18929 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL272414 |
| ChemSpider | 11333755 |
| DrugBank | DB08348 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03d187bc-cae9-4b41-8c9a-4815e401c03f |
| Gmelin Reference | 130815 |
| KEGG | C08341 |
| MeSH | D033068 |
| PubChem CID | 117770 |
| RTECS number | GW2975000 |
| UNII | 8D43G76A6A |
| UN number | UN3272 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H10O3 |
| Molar mass | 142.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Odor | sweet, fruity |
| Density | 1.101 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 0.83 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.41 hPa (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa = 10.62 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 2.91 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -9.41×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4530 |
| Viscosity | 1.638 mPa·s (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.35 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 309.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -488.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6442.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | N01AX12 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P271, P272, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P313, P312, P321, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362+P364, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | NFPA 704: 2-1-0 |
| Flash point | 73°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 225 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | Rat oral LD50: 2500 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral, rat: 1344 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | GR8575000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg/m³ |
