Methyl (phenylthio)acetate is an aromatic thio-ester in which a phenylthio group is linked to an acetic acid methyl ester. The compound is air-stable, freely miscible with common organic solvents (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, alcohols, ketones) and essentially insoluble in water. Commercial material is supplied ≥98 % pure.
Key physicochemical data:
Density: 1.15 g cm⁻³ (25 °C)
Refractive index n²⁰/D: 1.548
Boiling point: 120–122 °C / 4 mmHg; 278 °C / 760 mmHg (predicted)
Flash point: >110 °C (closed cup)
Log P (octanol/water): 2.3 (predicted)
Typical uses:
Versatile building block for phenyl-thio-acetate esters, sulfoxides and sulfones used in pharmaceutical and agro-chemical synthesis.
Precursor for α-thio-β-aryl esters with potential anti-inflammatory or anti-microbial activity.
Model substrate for mechanistic studies on thio-ester hydrolysis, enzymatic cleavage and metal-catalysed C–S bond activation.
Quality specification (commercial grade):
Purity (GC): ≥98 %
Water content (KF): ≤0.2 %
Free acid (as phenylthioacetic acid): ≤0.5 %
Residue on ignition: ≤0.1 %
Heavy metals: ≤20 ppm
Hazard statement:
Causes skin and eye irritation (H315 + H319). Avoid inhalation of vapour; use gloves, goggles and adequate ventilation. Store in a cool, dry place away from oxidants and strong bases. SDS available on request.
