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Chemical product profile

HONGKUN / PRODUCT DIRECTORY

3-Hydroxyacetophenone | CAS 121-71-1

A meta-hydroxy aromatic methyl ketone associated with phenylephrine intermediate chemistry, combining a free phenol with a carbonyl side chain that can be developed into an amino alcohol.

CAS121-71-1
Molecular formulaC8H8O2
Molecular weight136.15 g/mol

Product overview

A free phenolic OH and an acetyl group sit meta to each other in 3-hydroxyacetophenone. The aromatic substitution pattern provides the foundation for downstream meta-hydroxyphenyl compounds, while the methyl ketone supplies the side-chain functionality for further transformation. Published process literature places this compound in phenylephrine intermediate chemistry. The starting ketone itself has no stereogenic centre; stereochemical requirements arise when a later transformation creates a chiral product. Purchasing records should specify CAS 121-71-1 and the unprotected phenol. Qualification should resolve hydroxyacetophenone positional isomers and confirm the required ketone rather than relying on a formula match alone, especially when comparing material from different preparative routes.

Chemical identity

Chemical name
3-Hydroxyacetophenone
CAS number
121-71-1
Molecular formula
C8H8O2
Molecular weight
136.15 g/mol

Application context

3-Hydroxyacetophenone appears in published preparation routes associated with phenylephrine. Its meta-hydroxyphenyl framework is relevant to the aromatic portion of the downstream molecule, while the acetyl side chain offers the carbonyl functionality used in subsequent intermediate chemistry. Material selection for such a route should account for the unprotected phenol and the exact position of the hydroxyl group. Protected hydroxyacetophenones and the ortho or para isomers would require different processing and identification. The product is therefore best specified as a structurally defined feedstock, with a related-substance profile matched to the chosen sequence and its purification stages.

Chemistry and synthetic role

The phenol and methyl ketone are separate functional handles on a 1,3-substituted benzene ring. The carbonyl carbon is trigonal; this starting material does not carry an assigned R or S configuration.

Quality review

Confirm the meta-hydroxy structure

Require identification and chromatography capable of distinguishing 2-, 3- and 4-hydroxyacetophenone.

Check the free phenol

Confirm that no protected ether or ester is being substituted for the requested hydroxy compound.

Review ketone-related impurities

Agree a chromatographic profile for the selected route, including relevant reduced or other carbonyl-containing species when present.

Preparing a specification

Specify the free phenol, CAS 121-71-1, ketone identity, assay method and limits for hydroxy positional isomers and relevant route impurities. Add water or solvent criteria when required by the next step.

Packaging and storage

Packaging, closure and net weight are agreed for the selected grade, order quantity and destination. Confirm storage and transport requirements against the actual supplier SDS.

Documentation

Request a batch COA, specification, identity data and SDS. Confirm the availability of the analytical methods and any application-specific impurity results with the proposed supplier.

Procurement questions

Does this starting material need an enantiomeric-purity limit?

It has no stereogenic centre. Chiral control belongs to later intermediates if the route creates one.

Can 4-hydroxyacetophenone replace it?

No. The hydroxyl position defines a different aromatic building block.

Should a protected phenol be quoted under the same name?

No. State the protecting group and separate identity if that derivative is required.

Technical sources
  1. 3-Hydroxyacetophenone H18801Sigma-Aldrich
  2. CAS 121-71-1Fisher Scientific
  3. Preparation of 3-hydroxyacetophenoneChina National Intellectual Property Administration