TCI D4098 3,3-Dimethylbutyraldehyde, identified by CAS number 2987-16-8, is a branched aliphatic aldehyde that carries a tert-butyl group on its carbon chain. In the laboratory it serves as a versatile building block that supplies a reactive carbonyl group together with a sterically bulky hydrocarbon framework. This aldehyde acts as the starting point for a wide range of classical transformations, including reductive amination, aldol condensation, Wittig reactions, and controlled oxidation and reduction, which makes it a common choice for assembling target molecules that require a neopentyl or tert-butylmethyl fragment within their structure.
The property that makes this material a preferred choice is the high yet well-directed reactivity of its aldehyde group. Branching at the beta carbon blocks certain side reactions and delivers a useful degree of selectivity in multi-step synthesis, allowing chemists to plan sequences with greater confidence in the outcome of each stage. The compound is a liquid at room temperature, so it can be pipetted and measured volumetrically with ease, which simplifies stoichiometric control on a small scale. As with aldehydes in general, it oxidises readily to the corresponding carboxylic acid on prolonged exposure to air, so storage quality has a direct influence on purity and on the success of the reaction.
In Indonesian laboratories, this building block is typically used in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry research groups at universities and research institutes, as well as in industrial development laboratories that prepare intermediates on a small scale. Because it is dispensed volumetrically, it suits benchtop work where reactions are set up in millimole quantities and where a bulky alkyl fragment must be introduced into a molecular scaffold in a reproducible, well-controlled manner.
- Reductive amination — the reactive aldehyde group condenses cleanly with primary and secondary amines to form imines that are subsequently reduced, giving access to branched neopentyl-type amines.
- Aldol condensation — the carbonyl group participates as either the electrophilic or the enolisable partner, while beta branching suppresses unwanted side reactions and improves control over the product distribution.
- Wittig olefination — reaction with phosphorus ylides converts the aldehyde into a defined alkene, installing a tert-butylmethyl fragment into the target carbon skeleton in a single step.
- Controlled oxidation and reduction — the aldehyde can be converted to the corresponding carboxylic acid or alcohol, providing a convenient way to adjust the oxidation state during a synthetic sequence.
- Multi-step building block synthesis — the compound introduces a sterically bulky neopentyl fragment into target molecules, which is valuable when a hindered substituent is required in the final structure.
| Brand | TCI |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 2987-16-8 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Chemistry > Building Blocks > Non-Heterocyclic Building Blocks |
| Pack sizes | available in the packaging options offered by TCI for this catalogue item |
| Physical form | liquid at room temperature, suitable for volumetric handling |
| Storage | keep tightly closed and protected from prolonged air exposure to limit oxidation |
- Product code: D4098
Store the container tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources, and direct sunlight. Because aldehydes oxidise to carboxylic acids on prolonged contact with air, minimise headspace, close the bottle immediately after dispensing, and consider blanketing the contents with an inert gas for material that is opened repeatedly. Use the original supplier bottle or a compatible tightly sealed glass container with a chemically resistant cap. Handle in a fume hood, wear safety glasses, gloves, and a laboratory coat, and avoid inhalation of vapour or contact with skin and eyes. Allow refrigerated material to reach room temperature before opening to prevent condensation, and consult the manufacturer's safety data sheet before use.
—
