Ethyl 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methyl-3-pyridinecarboxylate, also known as ethyl ester of 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylnicotinic acid, is described below in terms of its properties, performance characteristics, and applications:

I. Properties

Physical Properties:

Appearance: White crystalline powder.

Melting Point: 210–213°C.

Density: 1.555 g/cm³.

Solubility: Insoluble in water.

Boiling Point: 363.155°C at 760 mmHg.

Flash Point: 173.43°C.

Refractive Index: 1.619.

Chemical Properties:

Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₁NO₄

Molecular Weight: 197.19

The molecule contains hydroxyl and ethyl ester groups, giving it certain chemical reactivity. It can undergo esterification, substitution, and other reactions. It is stable under normal temperature and pressure but should be kept away from oxidizers and strong oxidizing agents to prevent undesirable reactions.

II. Performance Characteristics

Good Stability: Under normal temperature and pressure, it is chemically stable and not prone to spontaneous decomposition or unwanted reactions, making it convenient for storage and transport. However, it may react under high temperatures or in the presence of strong oxidizing agents.

Polarity: The presence of hydroxyl groups gives the molecule some polarity, yet due to its relatively large hydrocarbon structure, it is insoluble in water. It is soluble in some polar organic solvents, allowing it to behave differently depending on the solvent system.

Reactive Functional Groups: The hydroxyl groups can undergo esterification and substitution reactions, while the ethyl ester group can be hydrolyzed. These reactive sites make the compound a valuable intermediate in organic synthesis for preparing a variety of complex organic compounds.

III. Applications

Pharmaceutical Intermediate: It serves as an important intermediate in the synthesis of certain drugs and can be used to prepare biologically active pyridine derivatives. These derivatives may possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, or antitumor properties. For example, structural modification of this compound may lead to the development of novel antitumor or antibacterial drugs.

Organic Synthesis: Used as a raw material in organic synthesis to construct various complex organic molecular frameworks. Leveraging its reactive hydroxyl and ester groups, it can undergo esterification, substitution, condensation, and other transformations to produce functional organic compounds. It is widely used in the synthesis of fine chemicals, such as specialty materials and fragrances.