2Methoxybenzoic

2-Methoxybenzoic acid, also known as o-anisic acid, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C8H8O3. It is a derivative of benzoic acid where a methoxy group (-OCH3) is attached to the ortho position of the benzene ring relative to the carboxylic acid group (-COOH). It is a white crystalline solid at room temperature.

2-Methoxybenzoic acid is found naturally in some plants, though it is often synthesized in laboratories for various applications. Its synthesis typically involves the methylation of salicylic acid. It is soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether, and sparingly soluble in water.

This compound serves as a building block and intermediate in the synthesis of other organic molecules. It is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a precursor for certain drugs and in the fragrance industry due to its aromatic properties. It can also be employed in the synthesis of dyes and agrochemicals. Its chemical properties, such as the reactivity of the carboxylic acid group and the influence of the methoxy substituent on the aromatic ring, make it a versatile reagent in organic chemistry.