Ethyl 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methyl-3-pyridinecarboxylate, with the CAS number 70254-52-3, is an organic pyridine derivative, also known as Ethyl 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylnicotinate. Its molecular formula is C₉H₁₁NO₄, and its molecular weight is 197.19 g/mol. Featuring a pyridine ring with two hydroxyl groups (at the 2 and 4 positions), a methyl group (at the 6 position), and an ethyl ester group (at the 3 position), it possesses good chemical reactivity and stability, making it widely applied in pharmaceutical synthesis, fine chemical production, and material science fields.
Physically, it appears as a white to light yellow solid or crystalline powder. It has a melting point of approximately 216-222℃ and a predicted boiling point of 362.9±42.0℃, with a density of 1.308±0.06 g/cm³. It is slightly soluble in cold water, more soluble in hot water and common organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and dimethylformamide, while insoluble in non-polar solvents. It has low hygroscopicity and remains stable under normal storage conditions, facilitating easy handling, storage, and formulation in various chemical processes.
Chemically, its core pyridine ring and functional groups (hydroxyl and ethyl ester) are the key to its properties. The hydroxyl groups endow it with mild acidic properties (pKa of 4.50±1.00) and antioxidant activity, while the ethyl ester group enables ester hydrolysis reactions, which are crucial for its application as an intermediate. It is stable under neutral and weakly acidic conditions but may undergo decomposition under strong acid, strong alkali, or high-temperature environments, and can participate in condensation, substitution, and oxidation-reduction reactions.
Its core applications focus on pharmaceutical synthesis and fine chemical production. As a key intermediate, it is widely used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical products, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and metabolic disease drugs. It also serves as a raw material for preparing plastic additives and new materials, and is applied in the production of specialty chemicals due to its unique structural characteristics. Additionally, it is used as a biochemical reagent in laboratory research for studying pyridine derivative synthesis and reaction mechanisms.
Safety-wise, it is classified as a hazardous substance with a warning label (GHS07), having mild toxicity and irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It should be handled in a well-ventilated area with appropriate protective equipment (gloves, goggles, dust mask). It should be stored in a sealed container, in a cool, dry, and dark environment at room temperature, away from oxidants and incompatible materials to prevent decomposition and potential hazards. With its versatile reactivity and wide application prospects, it is an important raw material in pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries.