Description

3-Ethoxy-4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid is a versatile aromatic carboxylic acid derivative that serves as a key synthetic intermediate and functional additive. Its molecular structure, featuring both phenolic and ethoxy substituents, provides valuable chemical reactivity and physical properties for advanced manufacturing. This compound is essential for R&D chemists and production specialists in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty polymer industries seeking to develop new active ingredients or modify material characteristics.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: A crucial building block in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly for compounds requiring a substituted benzoic acid core.
• Agrochemical Synthesis: Used in the production of herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators where its ethoxy and hydroxy groups contribute to biological activity.
• Polymer & Material Science: Acts as a monomer or modifier in the creation of specialty polyesters, liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), and high-performance resins to enhance thermal or mechanical properties.
• UV Stabilizer & Antioxidant Precursor: Serves as a starting material for synthesizing additives that protect plastics, coatings, and cosmetics from degradation caused by light and oxidation.
• Dye & Pigment Manufacturing: Employed as an intermediate in the production of complex organic colorants and photographic chemicals.
• Flavor & Fragrance Ingredient: Used in the synthesis of certain aroma chemicals and flavoring agents due to its benzoic acid backbone.
• Research & Development: A valuable reagent in organic chemistry labs for method development, catalysis studies, and creating novel chemical entities.

Basic Information

Product Name	3-Ethoxy-4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid
CAS No.	5438-38-0
Molecular Formula	C9H10O4
Molecular Weight	182.17 g/mol
Synonyms	Ethyl Protocatechuate; 4-Hydroxy-3-ethoxybenzoic Acid; Protocatechuic Acid 3-Ethyl Ether; Benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-ethoxy-; 3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoate
EINECS	226-607-5

Quality Control

We maintain stringent quality control protocols for 3-Ethoxy-4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency and high purity. Our standard grade typically meets a specification of ≥98.0% purity (by HPLC), with higher purity grades available upon request. Each batch is accompanied by a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing identity, assay, and impurity profiles. Our quality management system is designed to support cGMP and ISO standards for reliable supply to regulated industries.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at a controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Due to its hygroscopic nature, the container must be kept tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect stability and handling properties. Keep away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Assay (HPLC)	≥ 98.0%
Melting Point	148°C - 152°C
Loss on Drying	≤ 1.0%
Residue on Ignition	≤ 0.1%
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 20 ppm

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.