Methoxy group
In organic chemistry, a methoxy group is the functional group consisting of a methyl group bound to oxygen. This alkoxy group has the formula R−O−CH3.
On a
electron-donating group, but as an electron-withdrawing group if at the meta position. At the ortho position, steric effects
are likely to cause a significant alteration in the Hammett equation prediction which otherwise follows the same trend as that of the para position.
Occurrence
The simplest of methoxy compounds are
titanium methoxide. Esters with a methoxy group can be referred to as methyl esters, and the —COOCH3 substituent is called a methoxycarbonyl.[1]
Biosynthesis
In nature, methoxy groups are found on nucleosides that have been subjected to
catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT). Many natural products in plants, such as lignins, are generated via catalysis by caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase.[2]
Methoxylation
Organic methoxides are often produced by methylation of alkoxides.[3][4] Some aryl methoxides can be synthesized by metal-catalyzed methylation of phenols, or by methoxylation of aryl halides.[5][6]