Title: a-Methylene Butyrolactone
CAS Registry Number: 547-65-9
CAS Name: 4,5-Dihydro-3-methylene-2(3
H)-furanone
Molecular Formula: C5H6O2
Molecular Weight: 98.10
Percent Composition: C 61.22%, H 6.16%, O 32.62%
Literature References: Isoln from aq extracts of
Erythronium americanum Ker.,
Liliaceae (dogtooth violet): Cavallito, Haskell,
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 68, 2332 (1946).
Properties: Liquid. Polymerizes easily when heated above 70°. bp2 57-60°. Sol in water. pH 4 (150 mg/ml). The lactone is present in all parts of the plant and can be extracted easily with water, but not with ethanol, ether, ethyl acetate or chloroform.
Boiling point: bp2 57-60°
CAUTION: Irritating to the skin.