Chemistry always evolves through a mix of scientific ambition and everyday demand. Monomethyl adipate, often overshadowed by its parent compound adipic acid, first came into focus as chemists sought straightforward routes to esters with applications in both synthesis and industry. While scientists in the early twentieth century learned the ropes with adipic acid esters, it wasn’t until the development of large-scale nylon production that monomethyl adipate gained more attention. As nylon uses carved out a significant portion of global adipic acid output, researchers and manufacturers homed in on intermediates that could support growing industrial branches—including solvents, plasticizers, and resins. Today, looking back, monomethyl adipate reflects a story of chemical adaptation, responding directly to the needs of manufacturers chasing safer, flexible, and more sustainable solutions.
In practical terms, monomethyl adipate serves as an ester made from methyl alcohol and adipic acid. Its molecular formula—C7H12O4—points to a molecule both simple in design and important in performance. Several chemical suppliers list it under synonyms such as methyl hexanedioate or methyl adipate, selling it in grades suitable for both research labs and full-scale production. From a bottle on a chemist’s bench to large drums at industrial sites, monomethyl adipate adapts to a range of customer needs. End-users choose it for its ability to dissolve, carry, or react, depending on the specific process or product at hand.
Monomethyl adipate stands as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, easily recognized by its faint, sweet odor. Its boiling point hovers around 240°C, with a moderate vapor pressure, making it manageable at room temperature but requiring caution at elevated heat. Solubility in water remains low, though it blends smoothly with a variety of organic solvents. In comparison to similar esters, its moderate viscosity and flash point contribute to both its utility and safety profile. Experience in the lab teaches many that it resists quick degradation when stored in airtight containers away from strong bases or acids. Chemical stability ensures reliable behavior throughout handling, even when exposed to atmospheric moisture over time.
Product information from reputable producers lays out the numbers every end-user needs: purity over 98%, water below 0.1%, acid value under 0.2 mg KOH/g, and consistent refractive index values. Labels list both chemical identifiers—such as CAS number 627-93-0—and safety details including GHS symbols and hazard statements. Manufacturers who play by global standards also note batch numbers, production dates, and proper storage instructions. These practices protect both users and finished goods from cross-contamination or mix-ups that could impact downstream quality or safety. Reliable labeling stands critical not just for compliance, but for strong traceability, especially as regulations tighten worldwide.
The most common approach to monomethyl adipate manufacture draws on well-established esterification principles. Technicians combine adipic acid with methanol, leaning on acid catalysts such as sulfuric acid to promote reaction. Careful control of reaction temperature, usually between 100 and 150°C, helps speed up conversion without charring the product or generating unwanted side esters. Distillation or liquid-liquid extraction plays a crucial role in pulling pristine monomethyl adipate from unreacted acid or alcohol. Factories that focus on output scale up these steps, using automated controls and continuous feed systems to keep quality consistent across hundreds of kilograms per batch. Any deviation—be it poor catalyst removal or insufficient drying—shows up as a blip in the final assay, serving as a quick lesson in why rigorous process management matters.
The chemistry behind monomethyl adipate goes beyond simple esters. Its two carboxylic ends—one fully methylated, the other still a free acid—invite a range of transformations. Chemists often turn it into diesters or amides, especially when they chase tailored additives for plastics, rubbers, or coatings. Under basic conditions, saponification can remake the molecule into the parent acid, while reduction and amidation yield materials for specialized plastics or pharmaceuticals. Investigators have even used it as a building block for complex organic syntheses, opening doors in both academic research and new product development. Each reaction serves both as a test of pure technique and a doorway into real-world application, a fact that becomes obvious whenever yield or purity impact a final product’s performance.
Chemical identity helps bridge regions, languages, and supplier catalogs. Monomethyl adipate answers to methyl hexanedioate, methyl adipate, and in some documents, hexanedioic acid monomethyl ester. Pharmacies or specialty chemical vendors might swap between these names depending on their clientele or intended use regime. In formal documents like safety sheets and customs paperwork, matching synonyms to the correct CAS numbers prevents costly confusion and helps maintain regulatory compliance. Accurate identification serves users far better than a catchy brand name, cutting down on mishaps and boosting transparency across borders.
Chemistry’s safety story rarely gets headlines, yet it matters most once something goes wrong. Monomethyl adipate tends to show low acute toxicity, but skin and eye contact still prompt irritation. Manufacturers and handlers use gloves, goggles, and splash-resistant clothing during transfer, blending, or sampling tasks. In closed production loops, fume hoods or ventilated enclosures cut risk to nearly zero. Storage in cool, dry, well-ventilated spaces stops accidental container pressure build-up or leaks. Top plants post safety data sheets on hand, run regular emergency drills, and track waste management closely. Regulatory bodies like OSHA and REACH set the bar for transport and disposal, reinforcing that small oversights can trigger both health problems and legal headaches.
Factories and research labs use monomethyl adipate in several distinct roles. Most producers count it as an intermediate in plasticizer and resin manufacturing—the methyl group giving the final products the right compatibility and performance for flexible films or coatings. In the automotive field, it works its way into synthetic lubricants and hydraulic fluids, valued for thermal and oxidative stability. Specialty paint makers use its solvency and reactivity profile for smooth finishes on metal and plastic parts. Its use stretches into pharmaceuticals, agrochemical formulations, and sometimes as a blending agent for specialty cleaning solutions. Environmental compliance standards gave monomethyl adipate an edge over harsher solvents or plasticizers, especially because it breaks down more easily in wastewater systems. Applications always adapt to local cost, regulation, and product safety considerations.
Research into monomethyl adipate never really stops, as each field facing new technical demands pushes its boundaries. Chemists keep tweaking its preparation to hit greener production targets—moving toward enzyme catalysts or more efficient separators cuts both energy use and byproduct volumes. Product developers explore functionalized versions aimed at high-performance plastics or biodegradable materials. Studies in solvent recovery and recycling keep sharpening the economic case for its use in closed-loop manufacturing cycles. On the analytical side, new detection and quantification methods help companies trace even tiny leftovers in foods, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals, responding to stricter oversight and rising consumer expectations. These research projects demand commitment, but the benefits reach both industry and the wider community through safer, cleaner, and more transparent supply chains.
Most laboratory and regulatory studies point to low acute and chronic toxicity for monomethyl adipate. The compound earns a classification as minimally hazardous, at least in the context of single or short-term exposure. Skin irritation and mild eye discomfort represent the bulk of documented side effects, and no significant carcinogenic or reproductive risks have flagged under standard testing regimes at realistic doses. Environmental fate studies point out relatively fast breakdown under aerobic conditions, which bodes well for wastewater treatment and soil safety. Even with these reassuring results, researchers keep running long-term and high-dose studies, motivated by both regulatory shifts and the chemical’s growing volume in commerce. Lessons from recent years in chemical safety warn that unforeseen contaminants or rare sensitivities can have outsized impacts, so thorough toxicological testing rightly remains a non-stop effort.
Monomethyl adipate’s future depends heavily on chemistry’s march toward greener and safer processes. As plasticizer and synthetic lubricant demand stays healthy, industries look for materials that combine strong performance with lower environmental footprints. Emerging solvent applications seek replacements for compounds phased out due to VOC emissions or toxicity, where monomethyl adipate’s low risk appeals to both worker safety advocates and regulators. R&D continues to push for even cleaner synthesis, pushing bio-based feedstocks or energy-efficient reactors. The wave of demand for sustainable packaging, medical devices, and specialty chemicals in the next decade points to steady or rising adoption, provided companies keep updating safety, labeling, and downstream impact studies. For anyone invested in chemicals that balance utility with responsibility, keeping an eye on monomethyl adipate’s path makes practical and ethical sense.
Monomethyl adipate, with its clear liquid form and mild ester scent, shows up in more places than one might expect. I’ve spent time in both manufacturing labs and industrial supply chains, and its role stands out because it solves tough problems—without drawing much attention. It isn’t just another ingredient you see on a technical sheet. Monomethyl adipate is a workhorse, especially in settings where reliability must pair with safety.
I remember trade shows where chemists gathered around new “low-VOC” labels. In paint and coating formulations, monomethyl adipate is a sought-after solvent. It doesn’t give off high levels of harsh fumes, allowing workers and end-users to breathe easier. Manufacturers rely on it to help paints flow evenly, so surfaces dry smooth, with less tackiness and streaking. That means everything from new car parts to home doors gets a professional finish. It handles cleaning tasks too, helping flush machinery between jobs—no need to wrestle with sticky residue when this ester does the heavy lifting.
Personal care and cosmetic makers keep a close eye on ingredient safety. In skin cream and sunscreen labs, monomethyl adipate acts as a gentle emollient and solvent. It dissolves sunscreen filters and pigments, then helps them blend easily so there’s no strange separation or clumping in the final lotion. People with sensitive skin value gentle formulas. Monomethyl adipate checks that box: low irritation, fewer reactions, less risk for those prone to allergies. Batch after batch, manufacturers turn to it as a way to deliver silky, non-greasy textures.
Plastic manufacturers push for flexibility and resilience in their products, and monomethyl adipate steps up here too. It functions as an intermediate in producing polyesters and plasticizers, lending finished plastics more flexibility and impact strength. Years ago, while consulting for a packaging startup, I watched as operators worked with modified polyesters: adding the right intermediate made all the difference for crack resistance and pliability. Plastics with monomethyl adipate tend to last longer, and they’re less brittle in cold storage. This is a key reason why food packaging and medical supply manufacturers value it so highly.
Household and industrial cleaners are supposed to break up grime without harming whoever uses them. Monomethyl adipate fits into many cleaner recipes because it dissolves greasy or oily residues without leaving surfaces sticky. Unlike more hazardous solvents, it carries a better safety profile. Cleaning service workers and maintenance teams appreciate when products move grease fast but don’t fill the air with overpowering smells.
Demand climbs for safer and more sustainable chemicals. Monomethyl adipate answers that call, with lower bioaccumulation and friendlier breakdown in the environment. I’ve seen brands gain consumer trust by embracing safer formulas. The shift away from older, harsher petro-solvents strengthens workplace health and opens new markets, especially once regulations catch up with consumer preference. A transition toward greener chemistry often depends on capable, lower-toxicity alternatives—and monomethyl adipate leads that charge.
Bringing safer chemicals to everyday products takes real-world problem solving. Direct work in plant operations and product design shows that replacing older solvents isn’t just about swapping a name on a label. It involves in-depth collaboration between chemists, safety officers, and supply chain specialists. Ongoing research explores ways to improve efficiency and lower costs, so monomethyl adipate stays accessible to both small businesses and giant producers. Smart regulation and more transparent labeling can close remaining gaps so families, workers, and the planet see the real benefits.
Monomethyl adipate doesn’t always turn heads, but its structure tells a direct story. Take adipic acid, stretch its six carbon atoms in a tidy row, then swap out one of the carboxylic acids for a methyl ester. Here’s what you get: a chain of six carbon atoms with a methyl ester group at one end and a regular carboxylic acid at the other. Its formula reads C7H12O4. This small swap makes a big impact on its characteristics.
In practical terms, Monomethyl adipate features a lot of what chemists like—clarity and simplicity. The chain goes like this: CH3OOC-(CH2)4-COOH. That methyl group replaces the hydrogen from one end of adipic acid, making the molecule less acidic and more versatile. The other carboxylic end keeps the compound grounded in reactivity.
The methyl ester end resists water a bit more, which makes for easier handling in some processes. The acid end stays ready to play ball in reactions, on account of its polar character. In labs and factories, this makes monomethyl adipate especially handy for making polymers or tweaking plastics. I’ve watched chemists reach for it when they want to control reactivity without dropping all the acid out of the game.
The balance between methyl ester and acid shapes what happens in production lines. Folks in coatings, resins, or adhesives turn to this compound because it offers a mild, manageable acidity. There’s no huge flare of dangerous fumes or stubborn leftovers. Unlike its raw acid parent, monomethyl adipate’s mix of properties plays nicer with sensitive ingredients.
Industrial users sometimes get tired of juggling high-acid ingredients that just corrode everything they touch. Lose some acid quality, and you gain a chemical that travels better, stores longer, and still reacts when invited. In fact, back in the day at a small polymer lab, picking an ester instead of the full acid formula saved a ton of wear on our metal tools and let us push for longer experiment runs.
From a safety angle, a small tweak in the structure also cuts down on some hazards. Adipic acid causes more irritation for eyes and skin. Monomethyl adipate’s softer chemical punch makes it easier on those handling it daily.
That said, every compound asks for care and respect. Wearing gloves, goggles, and working with good ventilation helps keep risks down. Chemical companies often set up robust safety protocols. Simple steps—like always clearly labeling containers—can go a long way in preventing accidents in both large and small operations.
Waste from both esters and acids can still upset ecosystems if released unchecked. Instead of just focusing on cleaner chemistry in the lab, leaders in the field now look at lifecycle management. Better recycling, safer transportation, and clearer regulations help control environmental impact. Smart procedures on the frontlines of industry keep these compounds where they belong—inside reaction vessels and not splashed out in nature.
Chemicals like monomethyl adipate don't usually grab attention outside of labs or factories. It’s not a household name. Still, anyone working around industrial solvents needs to know that even mild-sounding chemicals deserve respect. Monomethyl adipate works in making plastics, paints, and coatings, so it slides its way into a lot of products that stack up in warehouses, schools, and garages long before reaching your hands. Not every chemical is dangerous, of course, but not taking basic safety seriously turns minor risks into serious ones fast.
Research puts monomethyl adipate in the "low toxicity" class, especially compared to older chemicals that sometimes damaged the nervous system or built up in your organs after years. Breathing in high amounts of vapors or getting it on unprotected skin might cause mild irritation. I’ve worked with plenty of products that smell a lot worse and sting much more. Still, just because something seems gentle doesn't mean a free pass. Even small exposures, day after day, can add up, and people react differently.
Safety with monomethyl adipate works a lot like the rules I learned at the auto shop—use what you need safely, keep good habits, and get rid of waste the right way. Gloves and goggles don't feel like heroic gear, but they keep splashes away from skin and eyes. A standard ventilation fan can keep the fumes from hanging around, so nobody gets a headache or coughs by the end of the shift.
Working in spaces with bad airflow taught me early that strong chemicals weren’t always obvious. Even if you can barely smell something, it gets into the air and stays there. People with asthma or allergies might struggle even if co-workers shrug things off. The best bosses always chose extra protection and encouraged open windows, masks, and safe handling. These simple steps saved us from sneezing fits or worse.
Officially, the safety sheets for monomethyl adipate suggest treating it like a mild irritant. Wash it off skin with water if it spills. If someone splashes it in their eyes, flush them out for several minutes. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke where the stuff gets used. These steps sound obvious, but real accidents often happen after a long day or with new workers. No amount of training helps if people don’t have access to clear instructions or protective equipment.
Storing the chemical correctly is just as important. Leaky lids and warm rooms can lead to slow build-ups in the air that nobody notices until people get headaches or feel sick. Secure containers with labels prevent confusion. Outdated or broken gear causes most spills, so regular checks make a big difference.
The culture around chemical safety works best when everyone treats each other’s safety as a priority. This means managers giving time for training, workers calling out when something goes wrong, and companies investing in better gear. Reporting small incidents keeps bigger accidents from happening. It’s tempting to think mild chemicals don’t matter much, but over years of work, even little exposures change a person’s health. Keeping the risks low only takes a bit of planning, respect for the process, and teamwork—less about fear, more about looking out for each other every day.
Monomethyl adipate stands as one of those reliable, workhorse chemicals quietly ensuring products keep their texture, function, or stability. Its chemical structure blends the attributes of adipic acid and methanol, producing a clear, colorless liquid. I’ve seen it pop up again and again where flexibility and moderate polarity matter, especially in labs and manufacturing environments.
Boiling at about 227°C, monomethyl adipate sticks around during higher-temperature work without evaporating right away. That comes in handy for processes that call for a stable solvent, especially if you want to avoid constant top-ups or atmospheric loss. As a liquid, it pours easily and doesn’t stack up odor, which keeps the lab air friendlier for my team over long shifts.
With a density just over 1 g/cm³, it balances easily in measurements. Pour a bit into a graduated cylinder and you’ll see its viscosity slackens nicely compared to an oily or syrupy compound. Its melting point stays well below room temperature, so you won’t face clogging or solidification if you’re storing it under usual conditions.
Monomethyl adipate’s real strength comes from its ester group. Being an ester means reactivity stays controlled, offering stable storage and blending in formulations without the constant worry of unexpected side reactions. The molecule’s moderate polarity finds a sweet spot for dissolving or dispersing certain polymers, dyes, and other esters, beating out more aggressive or unpredictable solvents.
From professional experience, its low volatility brings safety to the table. No highly flammable fumes means it can sit on the benchtop without raising eyebrows or prompting nervous glances at the nearest fire extinguisher. The liquid’s mild reactivity also lets it act as a building block in organic synthesis—providing a methyl group where needed and resisting premature breakdown. That’s helped more than a few process chemists fine-tune reaction pathways or increase the yield from a tricky synthesis.
Many manufacturers lean on monomethyl adipate for making plasticizers and resins, especially where a softer, flexible touch matters in the final product—think automotive interiors or wire coatings. Painters and coatings experts like how it brings flow to otherwise thick, patchy mixtures. In those settings, predictable boiling and evaporation rates let paint or coating films cure evenly, without pinholes or cracking.
If a company wants more sustainable solvents, monomethyl adipate draws interest. It’s often a step up from harsher, more toxic options. The US Environmental Protection Agency notes its low acute toxicity, making it less hazardous than alternatives like toluene or xylene. I’ve noticed regulations relax a bit for storage and disposal whenever monomethyl adipate replaces a nastier solvent—which lowers costs and headaches for compliance officers.
No matter how gentle a solvent, safety never takes a back seat. Goggles and gloves remain essential. Proper ventilation helps, since long exposure might bring sensitization risks or mild irritation. Waste disposal regulations ask for responsible management, even for less harmful materials.
Moving forward, research keeps looking at monomethyl adipate as green chemistry pushes boundaries. Manufacturers now wonder if biomass sources might feed its production chain, keeping things renewable and less dependent on fossil feedstocks. With greenhouse gases and sustainability targets now everyday worries, its mild profile could give it an edge for years to come.
Anyone working around chemicals knows that skipping storage guidelines can bring unwanted headaches. Take Monomethyl Adipate, for example. Used in plastics, coatings, and sometimes as a solvent in labs, it rarely makes headlines. Still, mistakes during storage or transport have real consequences: spillage, health hazards, and unexpected costs. In my early days on a plant floor, I saw a mislabelled drum of a similar ester lead to a containment scramble and a lost afternoon. No one wants that.
Monomethyl Adipate isn’t notorious for extreme volatility, but it’s not water. Leave it in a flimsy container or somewhere the temperature swings wildly and leaks become more likely. Most manufacturers ship this stuff in drums or IBC totes made from high-density polyethylene or lined steel. I once lifted a drum that sat outdoors all summer—sun broke down the gasket, and there was residue seeping out. That detail stuck with me. So, keeping this chemical in a cool, well-ventilated place really earns its keep. Overheating or storing too close to incompatible substances, like strong oxidizers, can start a bad chain reaction. In practice, keep it away from heat sources and sunlight, and monitor humidity. Over the years, I’ve seen how a small investment in ventilation fans or shaded storage saved thousands in lost product.
Transporting chemicals sometimes turns into a game of compliance whack-a-mole. For Monomethyl Adipate, the international transportation rules treat it as a low-hazard substance, so it isn’t stuck under the burdens reserved for flammables or carcinogens. That tempts some operators to treat it casually—bad move. Department of Transportation guidelines call for drums and totes to be properly sealed and labelled. In my experience, the worst spills happened not because regulations failed, but because people got lazy with lids or skipped checking seals. Once, we shipped a few containers without double-checking closure integrity; a small leak turned into a week-long cleanup.
Shipping companies should stay vigilant. Inspect containers before loading them onto trucks or into shipping containers. Drivers need to know what they’re hauling and how to respond if an accident puts product on the ground. Not every transporter bothers with refresher training, but the outfits that do seem to avoid emergencies.
The main thing I’ve learned is: good practices save money, time, and sometimes reputation. For Monomethyl Adipate, this means training teams on the basics. Store the drums in a dry, cool place—never right next to incompatible chemicals like strong acids or bases. Put secondary containment under storage areas, just in case. Rotate stock, so the oldest product moves first. On the transport side, double-check seals, verify paperwork, and keep Material Safety Data Sheets handy.
It doesn’t take costly overhauls to improve safety. Simple fixes—better labels, regular equipment checks, and routine training—make a big difference. In my career, the shops and warehouses that got this right did it by building careful routines and sticking to them. Fewer incidents, less waste, and a safer environment for everyone involved.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | methyl hexanedioate |
| Other names |
Adipic acid monomethyl ester
Monomethyl hexanedioate Methyl hydrogen adipate |
| Pronunciation | /ˌmɒn.oʊˈmɛθ.ɪl ˈæd.ɪ.peɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 627-91-8 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1460764 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:38667 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL40721 |
| ChemSpider | 22586 |
| DrugBank | DB14167 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03cce37d-fb73-4f3d-8b3d-b2bdd32c0c97 |
| EC Number | 210-817-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8934 |
| KEGG | C21189 |
| MeSH | D000787 |
| PubChem CID | 12041 |
| RTECS number | AJ9625000 |
| UNII | W7W84T4EPC |
| UN number | UN3271 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H12O4 |
| Molar mass | 160.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.07 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 0.89 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.02 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 8.2 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 15.10 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4240 |
| Viscosity | 1.60 mPa·s (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.89 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 389.9 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -895.3 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3560 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, Warning, H317, P280, P302+P352, P333+P313 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | No hazard statement. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 145 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 215 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 3600 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Rat oral 1800 mg/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible) of Monomethyl Adipate(MMA): Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 100 mg/L |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | No IDLH established. |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Dimethyl Adipate
Diethyl Adipate Adipic Acid Monomethyl Succinate Methyl Hexanoate |
