CH3OC6H4CO2H

CH3OC6H4CO2H is the chemical formula for methoxybenzoic acid. It is an organic compound that belongs to the class of aromatic carboxylic acids. The molecule consists of a benzene ring substituted with a methoxy group (CH3O-) and a carboxyl group (-CO2H). The relative positions of these two substituents on the benzene ring define the specific isomer.

There are three possible positional isomers for methoxybenzoic acid, determined by whether the methoxy and carboxyl groups are ortho (1,2), meta (1,3), or para (1,4) to each other. These isomers are o-methoxybenzoic acid (2-methoxybenzoic acid), m-methoxybenzoic acid (3-methoxybenzoic acid), and p-methoxybenzoic acid (4-methoxybenzoic acid). Each isomer possesses distinct physical and chemical properties. For instance, their melting points, boiling points, and solubilities can differ.

Methoxybenzoic acids can be synthesized through various organic reactions, often involving the modification of salicylic acid derivatives or through electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions. They find applications as intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fragrances. The specific isomer used depends on the desired end product and its required properties. Further research into the specific applications and detailed chemical properties of each isomer is available in specialized chemical literature.