1,4-Dimethoxybenzene is an organic compound with the formula CH(OCH). It is one of three isomers of dimethoxybenzene. It is a white solid with an intensely sweet floral odor. It is produced by several plant species.Karl-Georg Fahlbusch, Franz-Josef Hammerschmidt, Johannes Panten, Wilhelm Pickenhagen, Dietmar Schatkowski, Kurt Bauer, Dorothea Garbe and Horst Surburg "Flavors and Fragrances" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 2003, Wiley-VCH.
Occurrence It occurs naturally in willow (Salix), tea, hyacinth, and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo). It appears to attract bees as it has a powerful response in their antenna.Andreas Juergens, Ulrike Glueck, Gregor Aas and Stefan Doetterl "Diel fragrance pattern correlates with olfactory preferences of diurnal and nocturnal flower visitors in Salix caprea (Salicaceae)" in Botanical journal of the Linnean Society, 2014. In a study in mice, Iranian scientists identified 1,4-dimethoxybenzene as the major psychoactive chemical in musk willow (Salix aegyptiaca) by its ability to cause somnolescence and depressed activity.
Preparation It is produced by the methylation of hydroquinone using dimethylsulfate and an alkali.
Uses 1,4-Dimethoxybenzene is mainly used in perfumes and soaps.
It is an intermediate in synthesis of organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals such as methoxamine and butaxamine.
Niche uses It can be used as a developer in black and white film, and as a base in synthesizing catecholamines and phenethylamines.
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