Methyl 2-Cyclopentanonecarboxylate, often called CMCP, stands out as an important intermediate in organic synthesis. The molecular structure C7H10O3 creates a five-membered cyclopentanone backbone, offering a combination of stability and reactivity that appeals to manufacturers and researchers. This compound features a methyl ester group attached directly to the cyclopentanone ring, producing a molecule distinct from common straight-chain esters.
In the world of chemicals, CMCP draws attention due to its physical forms and measurable specifications. CMCP often appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, but it may solidify into crystalline flakes or powder when exposed to lower temperatures. Its density typically reports near 1.13 g/cm3, slightly heavier than water, allowing predictable handling and storage. Boiling points hover around 220-225°C, signaling a fair degree of thermal stability during processing. The melting point sits near 20°C, so users sometimes find it both as a liquid and as a crystalline solid depending on ambient conditions. The compound’s faint, characteristic odor brings another sign for labs handling quality control.
Methyl 2-Cyclopentanonecarboxylate dissolves readily in most organic solvents—ethers, alcohols, and esters—due to the polarity of the ester group paired with the cyclopentanone ring. Its low solubility in water points toward easy separation during purification steps. Molecular weight comes out to about 142.15 g/mol. The substance stands out due to its clear liquid appearance, but it occasionally forms clear pearls or flakes if stored in chilled environments, which reflects how temperature and container material can affect the experience users have with this material.
Examining CMCP at the molecular level, the compound features a cyclopentanone ring—a common building block in medicinal chemistry—fused with a methyl carboxylate group. The carbonyl groups on both the ring and the ester dictate much of this molecule’s chemical reactivity. Its three-dimensional conformation lacks complex branching, making it easy to model for computational chemists needing to predict reactivity or design synthesis routes. Some chemists prefer working with flakes or solid powder for consistent measurement, while bulk manufacturers usually receive CMCP in liquid or crystalline forms for integration into batch reactors. Whenever batch size increases, packaging often switches to transport containers measured in liters, complete with clear hazard labels.
Each batch comes with clear data: product purity, moisture content, density, boiling and melting points. Industry workers expect certificates of analysis to cover GC purity above 98.0% for synthesis applications. For large procurement, packaging typically ranges from kilogram-sized powder bags to multi-liter drums of pure liquid material. HMIS (Hazardous Materials Identification System) ratings, environmental data, and supplier safety data sheets back every delivery. In international trade, the HS Code for CMCP falls under 2914.19—providing customs with the information to classify this substance as an organic chemical and raw material.
Safety information deserves close attention for CMCP. Its volatility at room temperature remains modest but not negligible, mandating adequate ventilation during use. Skin and eye contact both create risks, so experienced handlers choose gloves and protective goggles in line with OSHA recommendations. Although not classed among the most dangerous chemicals, the compound’s ester and ketone functionalities mean that high doses or chronic contact can irritate the respiratory tract, skin, or eyes. The vapor density slightly exceeds air, which means vapors tend to linger near the ground—chemical storage rooms need reliable exhaust fans. In accidental releases, activated carbon or inert material controls small spills without generating heat. Waste disposal follows standard procedures for organic solvents, never poured directly down drains, as local regulations restrict discharge due to aquatic toxicity potential. For transportation, UN and IMDG guidelines define packaging and hazard requirements—ensuring that those moving CMCP understand the risks of both flammability and environmental persistence.
Methyl 2-Cyclopentanonecarboxylate serves as a valuable raw material in pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis. The compound’s combination of ring and ester groups feeds into production of specialty intermediates, fine chemicals, and target molecules for research labs or advanced manufacturing. Its reactivity profile suits it to both nucleophilic and electrophilic attacks, enabling it to take part in aldol, Michael, and ring-opening reactions under industry-standard conditions. For solution preparation, CMCP blends well with acetone, methanol, and ethyl acetate, making stock solution setup quick. Chemists might encounter it as a component in multi-step syntheses, where its consistent density, molecular weight, and predictable melting behavior all matter. If kept pure and dry, the compound resists degradation by light or slow oxidation, but open containers or poorly sealed drums quickly pick up moisture and hydrolyze, especially in warm or humid environments.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C7H10O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 142.15 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid/crystals/flakes/powder |
| Density | ~1.13 g/cm3 |
| Melting Point | ~20°C |
| Boiling Point | 220-225°C |
| HS Code | 2914.19 |
| Purity | >98% (GC) |
Years spent in labs and production lines show that CMCP rarely causes surprises for those willing to read a safety data sheet before opening a drum or flask. Most issues develop with improper sealing, which lets moisture sneak in, increasing the risk of slow hydrolysis or development of off-odors. Quality always starts at the source; working with respected chemical suppliers pays off by reducing batch-to-batch odor, color, and purity swings. During scale-up for pilot plants, careful transfer from storage tanks to reactors demands peristaltic pumps and solvent-proof lines, avoiding plastic containers that might soften on contact. Personal experience proves small details—from always labeling secondary containers to setting up fume extraction along benches—build true workplace safety and environmental stewardship, especially with raw materials that could end up in finished drugs or crop-protection formulas. Laboratory practice lines up well with regulatory goals when users respect CMCP’s density, reactivity profile, and storage stability, keeping risks to workers and the environment under control.
