Methalamic acid is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C8H9NO4. Its name is pronounced as "mɛθəˈlæmɪk ˈæsɪd" in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of this word can be explained through its structure. "Meth" refers to the chemical group methyl (-CH3), "ala" represents the amino acid alanine, and "ic acid" indicates that it's a type of carboxylic acid. Altogether, Methalamic acid can be seen as a carboxylic acid derivative of alanine with a methyl group attached to the nitrogen atom.
Methalamic acid, also known as N-methylthalamoic acid, is an organic compound and a derivative of thalamoic acid. It is formed by replacing one of the hydrogen atoms in the amine group of thalamoic acid with a methyl group. The chemical formula of methalamic acid is C8H9NO3.
Methalamic acid typically appears as a white crystalline powder or solid. It is sparingly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents such as methanol or ethanol. This compound has a molecular weight of 167.16 grams per mole.
In terms of its uses, methalamic acid finds application primarily as an intermediate in the pharmaceutical industry. It is commonly utilized in the synthesis of various drugs and pharmaceutical compounds. Its chemical structure and reactivity make it suitable for transformations that are essential for the production of certain medications.
From a chemical perspective, methalamic acid is classified as a carboxylic acid with an aromatic ring. It contains an amine group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a methyl group (-CH3). These functional groups enable methalamic acid to participate in various chemical reactions, including esterification, amidation, and condensation reactions.
In conclusion, methalamic acid is an organic compound derived from thalamoic acid. It is primarily utilized as an intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis and possesses a chemical structure that allows for a range of reactions.