4-Methoxybenzylalkohol;ANISALKOHOL;4-methoxy-benzenemethano;

Intermediate for Moxonidine
Can excite central α2 receptors and cause antihypertensive effects, similar to clonidine. The oral absorption rate (90%) and bioavailability (88%) are both high, and there is no first-pass effect. The peak blood concentration appears 1 to 3 hours after taking the drug. Most of it is excreted by the kidneys. t1/2 is about 2 hours. Clinically used for hypertension.

Colorless or slightly yellow liquid. The melting point is 23-25.5°C, the boiling point is 159°C, the relative density is 1.113 (15/15°C), and the refractive index is 1.5442. Easily soluble in alcohol and ether, almost insoluble in water.

This product has a slightly sweet fennel aroma and is often used in the preparation of jasmine, lilac and other flavors, and is suitable for the preparation of perfumes. This product is a edible spice permitted by my country's GB2760-86. It is mainly used to prepare flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, cocoa, almond, and peach. It is also used in organic synthesis and as a solvent.

By the reduction of anisaldehyde. Cannizzaro reacts with anise, formaldehyde and sodium hydroxide in ethanol to produce p-methoxybenzyl alcohol.

After the ethanol is recovered by distillation, the oil layer obtained by the reaction is extracted with benzene, acidified by adding acetic acid, and then neutralized with sodium bicarbonate to weakly alkaline. After washing with water to neutrality, the benzene is recovered by distillation, and the residue is subjected to vacuum distillation to obtain p-methoxy Benzyl alcohol.

It works by stimulating central presynaptic α2-receptors. Its antihypertensive effect is similar to that of the calcium antagonist nifedipine and the ACE inhibitor captopril. Used for essential hypertension.