4-Methylthiazole-5-Carboxylic Acid stands out as a specialty chemical, finding use across chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemical synthesis. Known by its molecular formula C5H5NO2S, this compound features a five-membered thiazole ring substituted with a methyl group at position four and a carboxylic acid group at position five. This setup gives it unique behavior in chemical reactions, making it an important building block in complex molecule development. In the world of organic synthesis, the demand for more structurally diverse and readily modifiable raw materials often leads scientists to compounds like this, whose molecular backbone offers multiple sites for derivatization. Its CAS number is 18815-55-7, and the HS Code for customs purposes typically falls under 2934999099, reflecting its classification as a heterocyclic compound.
Depending on purity and storage conditions, 4-Methylthiazole-5-Carboxylic Acid shows up as fine crystalline powder, off-white flakes, or granular solid. Under direct light, the crystals often take on a dim, slightly yellowish hue—a clue to its organic nature. It is not commonly encountered in liquid or solution form unless especially prepared for analytical or industrial processes. The chemical’s density comes in around 1.35 g/cm3, suggesting a moderate compactness that’s common among similar heterocyclic acids. It dissolves well in polar solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and partially in water, making it easier to handle in laboratory and industrial contexts. Molecular weight clocks in at 143.17 g/mol, a detail vital for calculating batch reactions or determining yield percentages in chemical synthesis. Nobody wants a raw material that refuses to cooperate with basic lab methods, and the reasonable powder nature ensures straightforward weighing and transfer with minimal waste or static generation, which can ruin batch consistency for downstream use.
This acid’s core—thiazole ring and carboxyl functionality—gives it reactivity that supports coupling reactions, condensation steps, and the generation of tailored intermediates. So much of pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing centers on precise control of these fragments; 4-Methylthiazole-5-Carboxylic Acid plays a role in yielding thiazole-based drugs, fungicides, and advanced intermediates. The stable crystalline form means it can be stored without above-average concern for degradation, provided it’s kept dry and away from moisture or heat. As a raw material, it fits right in where downstream applications call for strong nucleophilic or electrophilic contributors. Manufacturers often seek it out both for in-house process chemistry and for contract synthesis work—given the steady global march toward targeted therapies and high-value agrochemicals. Sometimes it forms a key node in the synthesis of bioactive compounds that depend on a heterocyclic framework for function, activity, or bioavailability.
Like many carboxylic acid derivatives in the thiazole family, caution is the name of the game. Skin and eye irritancy can occur after direct contact—gloves and goggles should always be part of routine. Inhalation of dust may cause mild respiratory issues especially in confined or poorly ventilated environments. The material is neither highly toxic nor dramatically hazardous compared to strong oxidizers or corrosives, but repeated exposure isn’t smart. While not flammable by itself, fine powder can form dust clouds that might become explosive under rare circumstances—in bulk storage or mechanical transfer, adequate ventilation matters. Nobody in a manufacturing environment enjoys costly downtime triggered by preventable safety lapses. While safety data sheets classify it as relatively low risk in the larger world of chemical hazards, smart handling and clear labeling go a long way in preventing slip-ups that lead to unnecessary downtime or medical attention. Storage in cool, dry, well-marked containers ensures shelf life and safety remain long and trouble-free—most chemists and operators can agree on the headaches that follow poor housekeeping in the chemical storage room. Spills clean up easily with standard procedures—a sweep or vacuum, followed by thorough wipe-down. No need for elaborate disposal when handled according to environmental and workplace guidelines.
Suppliers typically ship this chemical in tightly sealed, HDPE or glass containers to lock out ambient moisture and keep the material dry. Spec sheets point to a purity above 98%, and often as high as 99%, since downstream users need predictable behavior from each package. Granular or flake forms make for cleaner transfer from storage to process vessel. Bulk orders arrive in lined fiber drums or kilogram-sized plastic jars. Temperature during transport rarely causes issues, but rapid swings or poor humidity control may lead to minor caking—an annoyance more than a functional defect. Most facilities report shelf lives of at least two years when kept away from direct sunlight and tightly resealed between uses. With so many chemical processes riding on input quality, getting the right density, formula confirmation, and lack of foreign contaminants makes daily operation smoother for everyone from formulation chemists to QA teams. Purity checks by melting point analysis and infrared spectroscopy help spot issues before a small problem can snowball into larger, line-stopping trouble. In the end, materials like 4-Methylthiazole-5-Carboxylic Acid define the rhythm and reliability of the broader synthesis operation, keying directly into operator trust and final product consistency.
