Mosher's acid

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Mosher's acid
Mosher's acidMosher's acid

R and S MTPA
General
Systematic name (R/S)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-
methoxy-2-phenylpropanoic acid
Other names Methoxytrifluorophenylaceticacid, MTPA
Molecular formula C10H9F3O3
SMILES COC(C(O)=O)(c1ccccc1)C(F)(F)F
Molar mass 234.17
Appearance  ? solid
CAS number [20445-31-2](R), [17257-71-5](S),
[81655-41-6] racemic
Properties
Density and phase 1.303 g/mL, liquid
Solubility in water  ? g/100 ml (?°C)
Melting point 46-49°C (? K)
Boiling point 105 - 107 °C 1 torr
Acidity (pKa)  ?
Basicity (pKb)  ?
Chiral rotation [α]D +73° (R) -73° (s)
Viscosity  ? cP at ?°C
Structure
Dipole moment  ? D
Hazards
MSDS External MSDS
Main hazards  ?
NFPA 704
Flash point 110°C
R/S statement R: R36/37/38
S: Template:S26-36
RTECS number  ?
Supplementary data page
Structure and
properties
n, εr, etc.
Thermodynamic
data
Phase behaviour
Solid, liquid, gas
Spectral data UV, IR, NMR, MS
Related compounds
Related ? Mosher's acid chloride
Related compounds  ?
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Mosher's acid, or α-methoxytrifluorophenylacetic acid is a carboxylic acid which was first by Harry S. Mosher used as a chiral derivitizing agent. It is a chiral molecule, consisting of R and S enantiomers.

[edit] Applications

As a chiral derivitizing agent, it reacts with an alcohol or amine of unknown stereochemistry to form an ester or amide. The configuration of the ester or amide is then determined by proton NMR spectroscopy.

Mosher's acid chloride, the acid chloride form, is sometimes used because it has better reactivity.

[edit] References