Methoxytoluenes (methylanisoles or cresyl methyl ethers) are a group of three isomeric organic compounds with the formula CH3OC6H4CH3. They consist of a disubstituted benzene ring with methoxy group and one methyl group. All three are colorless flammable liquids which are soluble in organic solvents but poorly soluble in water. They are not of major commercial interest although they are precursors to the corresponding methoxybenzoic acids and methoxybenzaldehydes.
Chemical properties Methoxytoluene Isomers Common names 2-Methoxytoluene2-MethylanisoleOrtho cresyl methyl ether 3-Methoxytoluene3-MethylanisoleMeta cresyl methyl ether 4-Methoxytoluene4-MethylanisolePara cresyl methyl ether Structure PubChem number [33637] CAS number [578-58-5] [100-84-5] [104-93-8] Melting point −34.1 °C (−31 °F; 238 K) −47 °C (−52.6 °F; 226 K) −23 °C (44.6 °F; 280 K) Boiling point 171 °C (318.2 °F; 432 K) 175.5 °C (323.6 °F; 435 K) 175.5 °C (323.6 °F; 435 K)Density 0.9798 g/cm3 0.9716 g/cm3 0.969 g/cm3
See also Phenetole, a structural isomer
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