p-Acetotoluidide

Description

p-Acetotoluidide is an off-white to brown flake, odourless, solid or crystalline powder (pure form), which is soluble in hot water, alcohol, ether, chloroform, acetone, glycerol, and benzene. It is combustible and undergoes self-ignition (at 5450°C) but is otherwise stable under most conditions. p-Acetanilide on decomposition releases carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and toxic fumes. p-Acetanilide is used as an inhibitor of peroxides and stabiliser for cellulose ester varnishes. It is used as an intermediate for the synthesis of rubber accelerators, dyes and dye intermediate, and camphor. It is also used as a precursor in penicillin synthesis and other pharmaceuticals including painkillers and intermediates. Phenylacetamide structure shows analgesic and antipyretic effects. But acetanilide is not used directly for this application due to causing methemoglobinemia (the presence of excessive methemoglobin which does not function reversibly as an oxygen carrier in the blood).

Chemical properties

BEIGE TO LIGHT BROWN CRYSTALS OR CRYST. POWDER

Chemical properties

p-Acetotoluidide is an off-white to brown fl ake, odorless, solid or crystalline powder (pure form), soluble in hot water alcohol, ether, chloroform, acetone, glycerol, and benzene. It is combustible and undergoes self-ignition (at 545°C), but is otherwise stable under most conditions. On decomposition, p-acetanilide releases carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and toxic fumes. p-Acetanilide is used as an inhibitor of peroxides and a stabilizer for cellulose ester varnishes. It is used as an intermediate for the synthesis of rubber accelerators, dyes and dye intermediate, and camphor. It is also used as a precursor in penicillin synthesis and other pharmaceuticals, including painkillers and intermediates. Phenylacetamide structure shows analgesic and antipyretic effects. But acetanilide is not used directly for this application because it causes methemoglobinemia (the presence of excessive methemoglobin that does not function reversibly as an oxygen carrier in the blood).

The Uses of p-Acetotoluidide

4′-Methylacetanilide was used in the synthesis of stable crystalline phosphorus ylides.

Definition

ChEBI: 4-acetamidotoluene is a member of the class of toluenes that is 4-aminotoluene in which one of the hydrogens attached to the amino group has been replaced by an acetyl group. It is a member of toluenes and a member of acetamides. It is functionally related to a p-toluidine.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 77, p. 5092, 1955 DOI: 10.1021/ja01624a042
Organic Syntheses, Coll. Vol. 1, p. 111, 1941
Synthesis, p. 118, 1977

General Description

Colorless needles.

Air & Water Reactions

Water insoluble.

Reactivity Profile

4'-Methylacetanilide is an amide. Flammable gases are formed by the reaction of organic amides with strong reducing agents. Amides are very weak bases (weaker than water). Imides are less basic yet and in fact react with strong bases to form salts. That is, they can react as acids. Mixing amides with dehydrating agents such as P2O5 or SOCl2 generates the corresponding nitrile. The combustion of these compounds generates mixed oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Health Hazard

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When heated to decomposition 4'-Methylacetanilide emits toxic fumes.

Health Hazard

Exposures to p-acetotoluidide through ingestion or inhalation cause potential health effects. The symptoms of toxicity include, but are not limited to, irritation to the eyes and redness of the skin, wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest, and respiratory tract irritation.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. See also ACETANILIDE. Combustible. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NO,. To fight fire, use water, foam, CO2, dry chemical

storage

p-Acetanilide should be kept stored in a cool, dry place with the container closed when not in use

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from aqueous EtOH. [Beilstein 12 H 920, 12 I 420, 12 II 501, 12 III 2051, 12 IV 1902.]

Precautions

During handling and use of p-aetotoluidide, proper personal protective equipment should be worn. Avoid contact with the eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. On accidental exposure at the workplace, workers should immediately fl ush the eyes and exposed part of the body with plenty of water. Workers should avoid using the contaminated clothing and shoes.