Methyl indole-3-acetate
Methyl indole-3-acetate (CAS 1912-33-0; C11H11NO2; molar mass 189.21 g/mol) is the methyl ester of indole-3-acetic acid, the natural plant auxin. It is a low-melting crystalline indole solid (m.p. 50-52 degC) soluble in methanol, supplied at high purity for research and synthesis. As a versatile heterocyclic building block it serves indole chemistry, auxin and plant-physiology studies, and the preparation of more elaborate indole derivatives.
- IUPAC
- Indole-3-acetic acid methyl ester,Methyl 3-indolylacetate
- Synonyms
- Methyl indole-3-acetateIndole-3-acetic acid methyl esterMethyl 3-indolylacetateMethyl 1H-indol-3-ylacetateIAA methyl ester
Indole building block for organic synthesis
Used as a C11 heterocyclic building block in chemical synthesis, providing a reactive indole nucleus and an esterified acetic-acid side chain for onward functionalisation. It is a convenient intermediate towards substituted indoles and related fine-chemical structures.
Auxin and plant-physiology research
As the methyl ester of the natural auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), it is employed in laboratory studies of auxin chemistry, metabolism and signalling. The ester form is widely used as a reference and starting material in plant-growth research.
Reference and analytical standard
Its high GC assay and well-defined identity make it suitable as a reference material for chromatographic and spectroscopic method development relating to indole and auxin analysis. Identity is supported by defined CAS, MDL and Beilstein registry numbers.
Precursor to indole-3-acetic acid derivatives
The ester can be hydrolysed or transesterified to access indole-3-acetic acid and related conjugates, or carried forward in multi-step routes. This makes it a practical handle for assembling more complex indole-acetate chemistry.
| Molecular weight | 189.21 |
|---|---|
| Empirical formula | C11H11NO2 |
| Assay | ≥99.0% (GC) |
| Boiling point | 160-163 °C/0.5 mmHg |
| Solubility | methanol: soluble0.1 g/mL, clear |
| Storage temperature | 2-8°C |
| Melting point | 50-52 °C |
| Protective equipment | Eyeshields, Gloves, type N95 (US), type P1 (EN143) respirator filter |
|---|---|
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 3 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is Methyl indole-3-acetate used for?
+
Methyl indole-3-acetate is used mainly as a heterocyclic indole building block in organic and medicinal-chemistry synthesis, and as a research material in auxin and plant-physiology studies, since it is the methyl ester of the natural plant hormone indole-3-acetic acid. It also serves as a reference and as a precursor to indole-3-acetic acid derivatives.
What is the CAS number and molecular formula of Methyl indole-3-acetate?
+
The CAS number is 1912-33-0 and the molecular formula is C11H11NO2, with a molecular weight of 189.21 g/mol. Related identifiers include EC number 217-622-5, MDL number MFCD00022749 and Beilstein registry number 158031.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
+
Tech Serve Solutions supplies Methyl indole-3-acetate at a purity of at least 99.0% by GC, as a research and laboratory-reagent grade material. We do not represent it as USP, BP or EP pharmacopoeial grade; a Certificate of Analysis is provided with each batch.
How should Methyl indole-3-acetate be stored and handled?
+
Store the product refrigerated at 2-8 degC in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and incompatible materials. It is classified as German water-hazard class WGK 3 (severely hazardous to water), so prevent release to drains, soil and watercourses. Use eye protection, gloves and a suitable particulate respirator (N95/P1), and consult the Safety Data Sheet before use.
How is Methyl indole-3-acetate packed, shipped and exported?
+
It is packed in appropriately sealed laboratory and bulk containers, labelled and accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet. As a temperature-sensitive item it is dispatched with suitable cool handling where required, and Tech Serve Solutions exports worldwide with full documentation in line with the destination country's import requirements.
How do I request a sample or quote for Methyl indole-3-acetate?
+
Contact Tech Serve Solutions with your required quantity, packaging and destination, and our team will respond with availability, lead time and a formal quotation. Samples can be arranged on request, subject to availability and applicable shipping requirements.
▶ Related products
4-Amino-2-chloropyridine
C5H5ClN2
Heterocyclic Building Blocks
4-Ethynyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole
C6H6N2
Heterocyclic Building Blocks
4-Hydroxyquinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester
C12H11NO3
Heterocyclic Building Blocks
4-isocyanatopyridine
C6H4N2O
Heterocyclic Building Blocks
5-Chloro-2,8-dimethylquinoline
Heterocyclic Building Blocks
5-Chloro-2-methylene-1,3,3-trimethylindoline
Heterocyclic Building Blocks
5-Chloro-2-thiophenecarbonitrile
Heterocyclic Building Blocks
5-ethynyl-1H-pyrazole
C5H4N2
Heterocyclic Building Blocks▶ Explore more
3-Methyl-1,5-di-p-tolyl-1,4-pentazadiene
Chemical Synthesis
3-Methyl-1,5-pentanediol
Chemical Synthesis
3-Methyl-1-(2-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-amine
C11H13N3
Chemical Synthesis
3-Methyl-1-(3′-sulfoamidophenyl)-5-pyrazolone
C10H11N3O3S
Chemical Synthesis