Olivetol Dimethyl Ether (CAS No.22976-40-5) is a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in cannabinoid chemistry. Below is a detailed overview of its properties, applications, and related information.Olivetol Dimethyl Ether is a synthetic aromatic organic compound. It is the fully methylated (protected) form of olivetol (5-pentylresorcinol), where the two phenolic hydroxyl groups (-OH) of olivetol are converted into methoxy groups (-OCH₃). This structural modification dramatically alters its chemical reactivity: it is less polar, more stable, and non-acidic compared to olivetol. It serves as a crucial protected intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the controlled, stepwise construction of cannabinoids and other complex natural products, preventing unwanted side reactions involving the phenolic groups.
Name :
Olivetol dimethyl etherCAS No. :
22976-40-5MF :
C₁₃H₂₀O₂MW :
208.3Purity :
98%Appearance :
Off-white to yellow solidStorage Condition :
Sealed in dry, Room TemperatureChemical Properties
CAS Number.: 22976-40-5
IUPAC Name: 1,3-Dimethoxy-5-pentylbenzene
Synonyms: 5-Pentyl-1,3-dimethoxybenzene; Olivetol dimethyl ether; 1,3-Dimethoxy-5-amylbenzene
Molecular Formula: C₁₃H₂₀O₂
Molecular Weight: 208.30 g/mol
Appearance: Off-white to yellow solid
Boiling Point: ~295-298°C
Solubility:
•Soluble in organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, DMSO, chloroform)
•Insoluble in water
Key Structural Features:
•Dimethyl-protected resorcinol core (methoxy groups at positions 1 and 3)
•n-Pentyl chain (-C₅H₁₁) at position 5
Functional Advantages & Applications
Olivetol Dimethyl Ether itself has no significant direct biological activity as a cannabinoid or pharmacologically active agent. Its biological profile is inert because the methoxy groups block its ability to interact with biological targets (like cannabinoid receptors) that typically require free phenolic hydroxyls. Its significance is purely chemical and synthetic. Any observed biological activity would be attributed to its metabolic de-methylation back to olivetol or other downstream products, which is not a primary or efficient pathway.
A. Primary Role: Protected Synthetic Intermediate
•Stability Enhancement: Methoxy groups prevent oxidation of phenolic hydroxyls, enabling long-term storage and simplified handling compared to olivetol.
•Synthetic Flexibility: Serves as a key precursor for:
•Cannabinoid synthesis (selective deprotection enables controlled functionalization)
•Pharmaceutical intermediates (alkylresorcinol-based bioactive molecules)
•Material science ligands (coordination chemistry frameworks)
B. Key Applications by Industry
| Industry | Application | Advantage |
| Pharmaceutical R&D | Cannabinoid analog production | Enables multi-step synthesis without degradation |
| Organic Chemistry | Building block for complex molecules | Stable under acidic/basic conditions |
| Chemical Biology | Probe development for receptor studies | Improved cell permeability vs. phenolics |
Synthetic Utility Comparison
| Property | Olivetol Dimethyl Ether | Olivetol (Free Phenol) |
| Stability | High (stable at RT for months) | Low (oxidizes rapidly; requires -20°C) |
| Handling | Standard laboratory conditions | Cryogenic storage/argon protection |
| Functionalization | Selective deprotection (e.g., BBr₃) | Direct coupling (pH-sensitive) |
| Synthetic Yield | Higher in multi-step sequences | Limited by degradation |
Natural Occurrence: This specific dimethyl ether is not a known natural product. Olivetol itself is a biosynthetic precursor in Cannabis sativa, but it is not stored or used in its methylated form in the plant's natural pathways.
Synthetic Production: It is produced synthetically in the laboratory via a simple and high-yielding alkylation reaction of olivetol. The standard method involves treating olivetol with an excess of methyl iodide (CH₃I) or dimethyl sulfate ((CH₃)₂SO₄) in the presence of a strong base (e.g., potassium carbonate, K₂CO₃) in a polar aprotic solvent like acetone or DMF. This reaction quantitatively converts the phenolic -OH groups into -OCH₃ groups.
Applications
Safety & Handling
Storage Conditions:
•Stable at room temperature (no cryogenic requirement)
•Store in sealed containers under inert atmosphere (N₂/Ar)
Handling Precautions:
•Use standard PPE (gloves, goggles)
•Avoid prolonged skin contact (potential irritant)
Regulatory Status:
•Not controlled under international narcotics conventions
•Non-psychoactive and exempt from DEA scheduling
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