Trimethyl Orthoformate

Trimethyl orthoformate, with the chemical formula (CH3O)3CH, is an organic compound commonly used as a reagent in organic synthesis. It appears as a colorless liquid with a pungent odor.

Applications:

1. Acylation Reactions: Trimethyl orthoformate is used as a reagent in acylation reactions to introduce formyl groups into organic compounds.

2. Protecting Group: It serves as a protecting group for alcohols in organic synthesis, preventing unwanted reactions at the hydroxyl group.

3. Methylation Reactions: It is employed in methylation reactions, where it serves as a source of methyl groups.

4. Intermediate: Trimethyl orthoformate is utilized as an intermediate in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries for the synthesis of various compounds.