CAS 3781-69-9: 2-Benzofurancarboxylicacid, 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-, ethyl ester

Ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-benzofuran-2-carboxylate (EHMC) is an oxadiazole compound that has been shown to be toxic to the central nervous system. It is a tetraacetate ester of the compound and it has been shown to induce death in mice. EHMC has also been observed to produce thionyl chloride, aldehydes and dehydrogenation products in tissue samples. Elution profiles of EHMC from liquid chromatography have shown that this chemical can be quickly metabolized by methylation and subsequent degradation into benzofuran derivatives. The heterozygote for this compound is known for its ability to metabolize carbohydrates more efficiently than normal individuals.